NY Solar Incentives & Financing

For most people, deciding they’d like to go solar isn’t difficult.

But answering two important questions is:

There are a variety of ways to reduce the out-of-pocket contribution and finance the cash required. Below we explain available NY solar incentives and financing options, and apply each to a real-life example:

Example: GeothermNY Solar Installation

Get a Free Solar Consultation

By taking advantage of government incentives and tax credits, a solar power plant for your home is a solid financial investment. Payback periods are short, return on investment high, and you fix your energy costs well into the future. There are three levels to these as follows:

1

NY-SUN Solar PV Rebate or Incentive ($0.20/W)

Based on DC system size and performance of the array. As good as cash directly off the project cost.

2

Federal Tax Credit (30%)

Direct bottom-line deduction from federal tax bill. 

3

NYS Tax Credit (25% up to $5,000)

Direct bottom-line deduction from state tax bill.

Here’s how the federal and NY solar incentives and tax credits play out using the example above:

System Cost$21,250
NY-SUN Solar PV Rebate ($0.20/W)
Like cash off; goes directly to system builder upon completion.
-$1,344
Contract Cost$19,906
30% Federal Tax Credit
Based on contract cost ($19,906 x .30);
deduction from federal tax bill for year paid
-$5,972
25% NYS tax credit ($5,000 maximum)
Based on contract cost ($19,906 x .25);
deduction from state tax bill for year paid
-$4,977
Effective Total Cost$8,958

Get a Free Solar Consultation

Installing a solar array is a smart investment—but it must make sense financially for your family. It’s possible to lease a system with no money down, but it’s not advised. These financing options are far more advantageous:

1

Home Equity Line of Credit (6.42% – 8.95%)

Secured loan typically provides the lowest interest rates. Can cover full contract cost, including state and federal taxes for zero money out of pocket

2

NYSERDA Smart Energy Loan (Currently 3.49% or 6.99%)

15 year loan that can cover up to $25,000 of total system cost. Two loan rates offered depending on location and income.

3

Credit Human Solar System Loans (8.49%)

10, 15 or 20 year loans that can cover entire contract cost (up to $100,000). Once received, tax credits can be used to re amortize loan at no cost for lower monthly payments, or kept for other use.

Here’s how these options break down using the example above:

HELOC NYSERDA Smart Energy
NYSERDA Smart Energy
Credit Human
Credit Human
Contract Cost: $19,906 Contract Cost: $19,906 Contract Cost: $19,906
HELOC Loan. -19,906
15 year loan @ 6.99%
Smart Energy Loan: -19.906
15 year loan @ 3.49%
Credit Human Loan: -$19,990
15 year loan @ 8.49%
$10,949 – Tax credits used towards loan
$8,958 – Re-amortized loan amount
Total out of pocket: $0 Total out of pocket: $0 Total out of pocket: $0
Monthly Cost: $178.81 Monthly Cost: $142.21 Monthly Cost: $88.16

Check your eligibility and apply now!