New York solar 101: must read before you buy solar panels

Last updated 12.02.21

New York State 54 solar panels available

  • $2.42 / W Average gross price of a solar power system as of May 2023
  • 7 years Average system payback period
  • $45 122 Average savings from going solar in New York
  • 9 ¢ / kWh Levelized cost of solar energy
  • 3.88 kW Recommended system size
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What our happy customers say

I was in need of new solar panels and found A1 SolarStore while surfing the web. I ordered 13 pieces of REC 360W solar panels at a fairly reasonable price, and also ordered their liftgate service at checkout. everything was very easy and intuitive. I highly recommend A1 SolarStore!
Jesse Tang
Via Google
May 22, 2023
I recently purchased 10 pieces of Q CELLS 480W Solar Panels from A1 SolarStore. The site was incredibly easy to navigate and I found exactly what I wanted without any trouble. They had different payment options, which was great for me. Now I'm just counting down the days until my panels arrive. Overall, I will definitely be buying from them again.
Steve L
Via Google
May 22, 2023
Store was well organized, staff was super friendly and shipping was speedy.
Karen
Via Google
May 16, 2023
I have been looking for affordable, quality solar panels for a while! After some research I decided to purchase the Trina 390w solar panels. I loved the price and the customer service & decided to buy with a1solarstore. Even though there was a $275 shipping fee. Was worth it to me to receive the quality product in once piece. Payment processing took a while & could have gone faster - however, totally worth the wait!
Kara J
Via Google
May 9, 2023
The customer service at A1 solar is nothing short of amazing. A person can buy their equipment anywhere and receive that equipment with no support following whatsoever. A1 solar was with me all the way through the purchase process, the acquiring my panels at a distribution center, and finally giving me a discount for the pallet breakage charge because the pallet was already broken up. No other Solar company has given me such excellent customer service. Add that the prices are lower if not similar than the rest, buying from A1 solar is a real no brainer. I am very grateful and lucky to have found them!
Robert Sullivan
Via Google
Apr 27, 2023
The Silfab 490W Solar Panel (156 Cell SIL-490-HN) exceeded my expectations with its exceptional power output and sleek design. Its efficient monocrystalline cells make it a reliable and smart investment for any home. Highly recommended!
M
Via Google
Apr 25, 2023

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Solar laws, incentives and rebates in New York you need to know

Save 30% of your PV system cost with Federal Solar Tax Credit

The US government wants more people to go solar: it’s a modern and green way of getting energy. This is why the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) program was developed. It allows American citizens to claim 30% of the cost of their installation as an income tax deduction. The cost here is not only solar panels, but also shipping, installation expenses and more. For example, if your system overall made you spend $10,000, the government returns you $3,000. To claim the ITC, complete all the necessary forms and submit them when filing your taxes.

Save additional 25% with New York Solar Equipment Tax Credit

You can reduce your state tax credit by up to $5,000 or 25% from your total solar system expenses through a Claim for Solar Energy System Equipment Credit. This program applies to new and already installed systems, also qualifying if you went solar on a lease or through a PPA. The energy system must be installed and used at your primary residence in New York. Any credit amount in excess of the tax due can be carried over for up to five years. Keep in mind, however, that solar energy system equipment credit is not refundable.

Sell excess electricity with Net Metering Program

The Net Metering policy in New York has made it easier for utility customers to sell excess solar power instead of storing the energy in batteries. Your PV system will start to pay for itself primarily through the Net Metering program by selling solar energy that you haven’t used into the commercial grid and gain credits from your utility company for it. 

The credit value in New York is equal to your utility retail rate per kWh. Any unused credits will roll over to the next month and begin to accumulate in your “credit bank”. You can draw energy from there when your solar system generates less electricity than needed to zero out your bills.

One of the top Net Metering programs in New York is offered by National Grid. To get started you must first submit an application and only install your solar system once you receive interconnection acceptance. After your system is set up, it will be verified and tested to receive final approval.

Raise your property value but not your taxes

New York PV System owners can avoid paying additional property taxes on the added value their solar system brings to their home by applying for a solar system tax exemption. This certificate will ensure any new PV system installed and its equipment will not be part of your property tax. Additionally, any such home improvement will definitely make it about 4% more valuable on the property market, says the 2019 Zillow report.

Finance your solar system through NY-Sun

NY-Sun offers a financing program known as Affordable Solar for loans anywhere from $1,500 to $25,000. The payback terms are 5, 10, or 15 years. This program is for homeowners with incomes below 80% of the median income in the state. Small commercial and non-profit organizations are also eligible for low-interest financing. Find more information here.

Protect your solar panels from shade with Solar Easements

A solar easement contract is a written agreement between you and another party, for example, your neighbor. This type of contract helps to ensure that your PV system will always have adequate sun exposure, protecting you from potential obstacles. It is voluntary, but can not be canceled unless a specific clause is included in the document. Once signed, it is tied to the land, not the owner.

Get a permit to install your solar panels in New York

It is legal to install solar panels on your house in New York, but all solar installations require a NY State Unified Solar permit and it is recommended to search for the permit from your city. There is no statewide legislation that makes it unlawful to restrict the installation of solar PV systems. So, it’s best to contact your homeowner’s association (HOAs) to be certain of any regulations that may be in your area. You may have to submit your project for approval before changing the exterior of your house. The board may ask you to hide the system from view, reduce the number of panels or just reject your proposal.

Solar panels help New Yorkers survive hurricanes

Located right on the east coast, New York residents should always be prepared for a hurricane.  Solar panels are manufactured to withstand most hurricanes, and in any power outage, solar panels will help you survive a blackout. In 2012, Hurricane Sandy left 153,000 Con Ed customers without power across New York. As stated by the Environmental Protection Agency our climate is changing and natural disasters are becoming more frequent. Powering your home with solar energy you will no longer have to worry about blackouts.

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