Solar Panel Cost in New York, NY (2026)
Real installed prices, Con Edison credit rules, local rebates and how long a system takes to pay for itself in New York.
Estimate your New York system
Assumes a local rate of 23¢/kWh, 1520 kWh generated per installed kW per year, $3.1/W installed, the 30% federal credit and local rebates. Estimates only.
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Solar prices in New York by system size
| System | Gross cost | After 30% credit | After local rebates | Yearly output | Yearly savings | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 kW | $15,500 | $10,850 | $9,350 | 7,600 kWh | $1,748 | 5.3 yrs |
| 7 kW | $21,700 | $15,190 | $13,690 | 10,640 kWh | $2,447 | 5.6 yrs |
| 10 kW | $31,000 | $21,700 | $20,200 | 15,200 kWh | $3,496 | 5.8 yrs |
| 12 kW | $37,200 | $26,040 | $24,540 | 18,240 kWh | $4,195 | 5.8 yrs |
Payback assumes exported power is credited near the retail rate. Confirm your utility's current policy — several states are mid-transition.
What makes New York different
1. Con Edison sets the interconnection rules
New York sits in Con Edison territory. Interconnection, the export credit rate and any capacity caps all come from that utility and are subject to change — confirm the current rules before signing a contract.
2. Export credit treatment matters more than panel brand
How exported power is credited has a bigger effect on payback than which panels you buy. Size to your own annual usage first, then pick equipment.
3. Net metering, but mid-transition
Exports are still credited close to retail in New York, but the policy is being phased down in many markets. Grandfathering rules and application dates matter — check the current schedule before signing.
4. Winter output, not summer, sets your annual number
Shorter winter days and snow cover pull New York's annual production down to about 1520 kWh per installed kW. Summer months over-produce; December and January under-produce. Size on the annual figure, never on a sunny week.
5. High local rates shorten payback
At about 23¢/kWh, New York has rates well above the national average. High rates are the single biggest reason payback is faster here than in most of the country — and the reason self-consumption, not export, drives the return.
What affects your price in New York
- System size — the single biggest driver.
- Roof pitch and height — steep or two-storey roofs add labour.
- Roof age — replace worn shingles first; re-roofing around panels costs more later.
- Panel and inverter tier — premium modules and microinverters add 15–25%.
- Main panel upgrade — older homes may need a 200A service upgrade, $1,500–$3,000.
- Battery — optional, roughly $10,000–$15,000 installed.
- Season — late autumn and winter installs are often cheaper.
Solar cost in nearby cities
| City | Utility | Export credit |
|---|---|---|
| Newark, NJ | PSE&G | net metering |
| Buffalo, NY | National Grid | net metering |
| Philadelphia, PA | PECO | net metering |
| Boston, MA | Eversource | net metering |
New York solar FAQ
How much do solar panels cost in New York?
A 7 kW system — the most common size locally — costs about $21,700 installed before incentives, or $13,690 after the 30% federal tax credit and local rebates.
How long is the payback period in New York?
Roughly 5.6 years for a properly sized system, based on local rates, 1520 kWh of production per installed kW, and current incentives.
Does Con Edison offer a rebate?
Programs and funding change. Confirm the current Con Edison incentive directly with the utility, and never accept an installer's rebate promise that isn't in writing.
Do I need a permit to install solar in New York?
Yes. New York requires an electrical and structural permit plus an inspection, and Con Edison handles interconnection separately. A reputable installer files all of it — ask to see the permit number.
How much roof space does a system need?
A 7 kW array needs roughly 455–595 square feet of unshaded roof, depending on panel wattage and layout.
Is New York a good place for solar?
The sun resource is strong at about 1520 kWh per installed kW per year, and local rates run near 23¢/kWh. The real variables are roof condition, shading and Con Edison's export credit rules.
Ready for exact numbers?
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Sources & method
Production modelled with NREL PVWatts. Utility rate from EIA retail-sales data. Incentive data from DSIRE and IRS guidance. Installed cost benchmarked to local market pricing. Last updated October 2026. Estimates only — not a quote.