Solar panels in New York: cost & savings
New York averages 3.8 peak sun hours/day and $0.24/kWh electricity. Here's what solar looks like for a typical home.
Typical New York home estimate
| Average electricity rate | $0.24/kWh |
| Peak sun hours (daily avg) | 3.8 |
| Recommended system size | 9.7 kW (~24 panels) |
| System cost (before incentives) | $29,200 |
| Cost after 30% federal tax credit | $20,440 |
| Estimated payback period | 7.3 years |
| 25-year net savings | $67,925 |
Incentives: NY-Sun incentive + 25% state tax credit (up to $5,000). The 30% federal tax credit applies in every state. Retail-rate net metering is broadly available.
How New York compares to the rest of the US
Two numbers drive solar economics: your electricity rate and how much sun your roof gets. Here's where New York stands against the national average.
| Electricity rate | $0.24/kWh (44% higher than the $0.17 US avg) |
| Daily peak sun hours | 3.8 (15% less than the 4.5 US avg) |
| Net metering | Broadly available |
New York has above-average electricity prices but below-average sun. The high rates are exactly what make solar pay off here — every kWh you generate offsets expensive grid power, even if your panels produce a little less than they would in a sunnier state.
Calculate your own New York savings
Adjust the numbers to match your actual electric bill:
Estimate your solar savings
Two quick inputs. We use your state's real electricity rate and sun hours.
Is solar worth it in New York?
With New York's electricity at $0.24/kWh and 3.8 daily sun hours, a typical solar system pays for itself in about 7.3 years and produces an estimated $67,925 in net savings over its 25-year life, after applying the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit. The higher your bill and the more sun your roof gets, the faster the payback.
These figures are estimates. Get free quotes from local New York installers to see real pricing for your roof.
New York solar FAQ
How many solar panels do I need in New York?
A typical New York home needs roughly 24 standard 400-watt panels (about a 9.7 kW system) to offset its electricity use, given New York's 3.8 daily peak sun hours. A higher bill or shadier roof pushes that number up.
Does New York have net metering?
Yes — New York broadly offers net metering, so the excess power your panels send to the grid credits your bill and improves your payback. NY-Sun incentive + 25% state tax credit (up to $5,000). The 30% federal tax credit applies in every state.
What's the payback period for solar in New York?
For a typical $216/month bill, the estimated payback is about 7.3 years, after which the power your panels produce is essentially free for the remaining ~18 years of the system's life.