Are Solar Panels Worth It in NY?

If you live in New York and you've been wondering "are solar panels worth it in ny," the honest answer is: it depends on your specific situation. Your roof, your utility company, and your budget all play a role in whether solar makes financial sense for you. What works for a homeowner in Buffalo might not work for someone in Brooklyn, and that's okay.

The landscape changed significantly as of 2026. New York's net metering rules are shifting, state incentives are still strong, and electricity rates keep climbing. According to NYSERDA data, the average New York homeowner pays roughly 20 to 30 cents per kilowatt-hour depending on their utility.

That's higher than the national average, which is one reason solar can pencil out here. But the math still depends on a few key variables. Let's walk through them step by step.

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Quick Answer

Solar panels are worth it in New York for most homeowners with a south-facing roof that gets good sun. Payback periods range from 6 to 12 years depending on your utility and system cost. The combination of the federal tax credit, the NYS tax credit, and NY-Sun incentives can cut your upfront cost by nearly half.

But if your roof is heavily shaded or needs replacement soon, solar probably isn't right for you right now.

Step 1: Check Your Roof's Solar Potential

Before you even look at pricing, you need to figure out if your roof is a good candidate. New York is not Arizona. We get clouds, snow, and plenty of shade from trees and neighboring buildings.

A roof that looks sunny at noon in July might be shaded by 3 PM in December.

Start with orientation. South-facing roofs are ideal in NY. They catch the most sun throughout the day and across all seasons.

West-facing roofs are second best, they capture strong afternoon sun, which is especially valuable if your utility charges more for electricity during peak hours. East-facing roofs work but produce less. North-facing roofs are usually a no-go unless you live somewhere with unusually good diffuse light.

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Then check for shade. Use a tool like a solar pathfinder or a Solmetric SunEye to measure how many hours of direct sunlight your roof gets each day. You can also get a rough idea with Google's Project Sunroof tool, though its accuracy varies by location.

In our research, most NY installers recommend a minimum of 4 to 5 hours of direct sunlight on your roof's best face. Less than that and the economics get shaky.

Roof condition matters too. Your solar panels will last 25 to 30 years. If your roof shingles have fewer than 10 years left, you should replace the roof before installing solar.

Pulling panels off to replace shingles costs money. Most installers charge around $150 to $300 per panel for removal and reinstallation. On a typical 20-panel system, that's $3,000 to $6,000 you'd rather not spend.

Step 2: Run the Math for Your Specific Utility

This is where most people get tripped up. Your utility company determines how much you save with solar, and New York has several major utilities with very different rate structures.

Con Edison customers in New York City and Westchester pay the highest rates in the state, often above 30 cents per kilowatt-hour. That means every kilowatt-hour your panels produce saves you more money. Our research shows that Con Ed customers typically see payback periods of 6 to 9 years.

But there's a catch: Con Edison's interconnection process can take 6 to 12 months, which delays when your system starts saving you money.

National Grid customers in upstate NY pay lower base rates but higher delivery charges. Your savings will be less dramatic than in NYC, and payback periods typically run 8 to 12 years. The upside is that interconnection is faster, usually 4 to 8 weeks.

PSEG Long Island has its own rules. They offer retail rate net metering, meaning you get credited for excess power at the full retail rate. That's generous.

But Long Island also tends to have higher installation costs, which offsets some of the benefit.

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Then there's the net metering transition starting in 2025. New York is moving from traditional net metering to a new "net billing" structure under the Value of Distributed Energy Resources (VDER) framework. Under net billing, you'll still get credit for excess solar energy sent to the grid, but at a lower rate than what you pay for electricity.

This change reduces savings for new solar customers. If you install before your utility fully transitions, you may be grandfathered under the old rules for a set period.

Step 3: Understand the Money Side

The upfront cost of solar in New York typically ranges from $3.00 to $4.00 per watt as of 2026. A typical 8-kilowatt system would run you $24,000 to $32,000 before incentives. That sounds like a lot, but here's where the incentives kick in.

The federal Investment Tax Credit gives you 30% of the total system cost back on your taxes. No cap. On that $28,000 average system, that's $8,400.

The New York State tax credit adds another 25% of the cost, up to a maximum of $5,000. Between those two, you're looking at $13,400 in tax credits on a $28,000 system.

Then there's the NY-Sun block incentive. This is an upfront rebate paid to your installer, which reduces the price you pay. The amount varies by region and system size, but it typically ranges from $0.20 to $0.60 per watt.

On an 8 kW system, that's another $1,600 to $4,800 off the sticker price.

Here's a quick breakdown:

How you pay matters too. Paying cash gives you the best return since you avoid interest charges. Solar loans let you spread payments over 10 to 20 years, but interest eats into your savings.

Solar leases and power purchase agreements require no upfront money, but you don't own the system and the long-term savings are lower.

The Decision Tree: Four Common NY Scenarios

Scenario A: NYC homeowner with good sun

You own a brownstone or single-family home in one of the five boroughs. Your roof gets at least 5 hours of direct sun. You're a Con Edison customer.

This is the best case scenario in New York. High electricity rates mean every panel saves you more. The payback period is typically 6 to 9 years.

After that, you're generating free electricity for the remaining 15 to 20 years of the panels' life.

Scenario B: Upstate homeowner with a barn roof

You live in the Hudson Valley or near Buffalo. Your roof is south-facing and wide open. You're on National Grid.

The rates are lower here, so your payback period stretches to 9 to 12 years. But you have more roof space, so you can install a larger system to offset more of your usage. Battery storage also makes more sense upstate, especially if you lose power during winter storms.

Scenario C: Renter or condo dweller

You don't own your roof. Solar panels on your own building aren't an option, but community solar is. Community solar lets you subscribe to a share of a larger solar farm and get credits on your electric bill.

You don't install anything on your property. Savings are typically 5 to 15% off your electricity costs. It's not as good as owning panels, but it's better than nothing and has zero upfront cost.

Scenario D: Older roof that needs replacement first

Your roof has 5 to 8 years left. You want solar, but installing on a roof that needs replacing soon is a mistake. You'll pay for removal and reinstallation when you replace the shingles.

The smarter move is to bundle the roof replacement with your solar installation. Many solar companies partner with roofing contractors to do both at once, and you can roll the roof cost into your solar financing.

Mistakes I See All the Time in NY Solar

The biggest mistake is signing a lease or PPA without reading the escalator clause. Some leases increase your payment by 2 to 3% every year. That sounds small, but over 25 years your monthly payment could double.

If you ever want to sell your house, the buyer has to take over the lease. That can kill a sale.

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Another common error is forgetting to check your roof's structural integrity. New York building codes require roofs to support at least 20 pounds per square foot of live load. Solar panels add about 3 to 4 pounds per square foot, which is usually fine.

But if your roof has existing issues, the added weight can cause problems.

We also see people ignore the net metering transition. If you wait too long to apply, you might end up on the new net billing structure with lower savings. The transition dates vary by utility, so check with your local provider before you commit.

And finally, don't assume a north-facing or heavily shaded roof will work just because your neighbor has solar. NY's variable weather and building density mean each property is different. Always get a professional site assessment before signing anything.

Expert Tips / Pro Advice

After working through hundreds of NY solar scenarios, a few patterns stand out. First, aim for a system that covers 80 to 90% of your annual usage rather than 100%. Oversizing triggers lower export rates under net billing, and it costs more upfront.

Undersizing means you still pay a meaningful electric bill.

Second, look for installers who use tier-1 panel brands like REC, Qcells, or Panasonic paired with Enphase microinverters. Microinverters handle shading better than string inverters, which matters in NY's variable light conditions. If one panel gets shaded by a chimney at 3 PM, microinverters let the rest of the system keep producing.

Third, don't rush the decision. Wait for at least three quotes from NYSERDA-approved installers. Compare total cost per watt, equipment brands, warranty terms, and customer reviews.

The cheapest quote isn't always the best deal. A quality installation with good equipment will outlast a bargain install by years.

What About Batteries? When They Make Sense in NY

Batteries change the economics significantly. A Tesla Powerwall 3 or Enphase 5P costs roughly $10,000 to $15,000 installed. That's on top of your solar system price.

The NY-Sun program offers incentives for storage, which brings the cost down, but not enough to make batteries a pure financial play.

Where batteries shine in NY is backup power. If you live in an area prone to outages, a battery keeps your fridge, lights, and internet running during a blackout. That's peace of mind, not an investment return.

For Con Edison customers on time-of-use rates, a battery can also shift your solar production from midday to evening peak hours, earning you more credits. But the numbers vary by rate plan.

If you're solely focused on payback period, skip the battery. If you want resilience and have the budget, it's worth considering. Just run the numbers specific to your utility rate before deciding.

The Real Numbers: What NY Homeowners Actually Pay and Save

Here's what real New York homeowners are seeing based on aggregate data from NYSERDA and verified installer reports across the state:

These are estimates. Your actual numbers depend on your roof, shade, consumption, and financing choice. But they give you a realistic picture of what to expect.

Your Next Steps: Verify Before You Sign

Start with the NYSERDA installer database. It lists vetted solar contractors who meet state standards. Get three quotes from companies on that list.

Ask each one to show you a shade analysis, a production estimate, and a detailed quote with all costs broken out.

Questions to ask every installer:

• What is the total cost per watt?
• What brand and model of panels and inverters are you using?
• What is the estimated annual production for my roof?
• How long will interconnection take with my utility?
• What happens if I need to replace my roof during the panel life?
• Is there an escalator clause in the lease or PPA?

If an installer hesitates on any of these, move to the next one.

Quick Answers to Common NY Solar Questions

Do solar panels work in cloudy upstate weather?

Yes. Solar panels generate electricity from diffuse light, not just direct sun. Germany, which has similar cloud cover to upstate NY, is a global leader in solar.

You'll produce less on cloudy days, but over a full year the output is still meaningful. Your panels will generate about 70 to 80% of what they'd produce in a sunnier climate.

Will snow melt off my panels automatically?

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Panels are dark and mounted at an angle. They absorb heat, so snow usually slides off within a day or two. In heavy snow, like what Buffalo or Syracuse see, it can take longer.

Don't get on your roof to remove snow. It's dangerous and you can damage the panels. Let nature handle it.

Can I take solar panels with me if I move?

If you own the system, you can theoretically move them. But it costs thousands of dollars and the new roof may not be a good match. It's usually better to leave them for the next owner and factor them into your home's sale price.

If you lease, the lease transfers to the new owner or you buy it out.

Does solar increase my home's property taxes in NY?

No. New York's Real Property Tax Law Section 487 provides a property tax exemption for solar energy systems. Your home's assessment won't increase because of the panels.

You do need to file the exemption with your local assessor, so don't skip that step.

What happens if my installer goes out of business?

The equipment warranties from the manufacturers remain valid. But the workmanship warranty becomes worthless. That's why it pays to choose an established, well-funded installer.

Check their track record and financial stability before signing. Companies with more than five years in business and strong reviews are safer bets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does solar make sense in New York with net metering changes?

Yes, but the payback period will be slightly longer under the new net billing structure. If you install before your utility fully transitions, you may be grandfathered into the old rules. The federal and state incentives still make solar a strong investment for most eligible homes.

How long do solar panels last in New York weather?

Most tier-1 panels carry a 25-year performance warranty, and they often produce well beyond that. New York's freeze-thaw cycles and snow loads are manageable. Quality panels are tested for hail, wind, and snow loads.

Expect at least 25 years of reliable operation.

Can I get solar panels for free in New York?

No. There is no free solar program in New York. Solar leases and PPAs require no upfront payment, but you don't own the system.

The company that installs it claims the incentives and tax credits, and you pay a fixed rate for the power.

How much does a solar panel system cost in New York in 2026?

The typical range is $3.00 to $4.00 per watt before incentives. After federal and state credits and the NY-Sun rebate, a 7.5 kW system costs roughly $10,000 to $14,000 out of pocket. Financing spreads that cost over time.

Is community solar better than rooftop solar in NY?

Community solar requires no installation and no upfront money, but savings are lower, typically 5 to 15% off your bill. Rooftop solar offers higher long-term savings if your roof qualifies. Community solar is a good option for renters or homeowners with poor roof conditions.

My Take: Who Should Go Solar in NY Right Now

If you own a home with a south-facing roof that gets good sun, you're a Con Ed customer, and you plan to stay in your house for at least 7 years, solar is a smart move. The math works. The incentives are still strong.

The transition to net billing hasn't fully hit yet.

If your roof is shaded, or you're on a low-rate utility upstate, or you might move in 5 years, the numbers get tighter. In those cases, community solar or a smaller system might be a better fit.

Solar isn't a one-size-fits-all answer in New York. But for the right home with the right roof and the right utility, it's one of the best energy investments you can make.

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Maintenance and Long-Term Optimization

Solar panels are low maintenance, but they aren't zero maintenance. In New York, you need to think about a few things over the life of your system.

Cleaning is the most common question. Rain does a decent job of washing off pollen and dust. But if you live near a construction site or a major road, you might see a layer of grime build up over time.

A drop of 5 to 15% in production is a sign your panels need cleaning. In our research, most NY homeowners clean their panels once every two to three years.

Don't climb on your roof to clean them yourself. Call a professional solar cleaning service. They use deionized water and soft brushes that won't scratch the glass.

The cost is typically $150 to $300 for a residential system.

Snow is the other big factor in New York. As we covered earlier, panels shed snow naturally most of the time. But in heavy snow years, like Buffalo's lake-effect events, snow can pile up and stay for weeks.

A roof rake with a soft foam blade can help. Never use a metal shovel or hard rake. You'll scratch the glass and void your warranty.

Your monitoring system is your best friend for long-term optimization. Enphase Enlighten and SolarEdge monitoring apps show you real-time production per panel. If one panel suddenly produces much less than its neighbors, something is wrong.

It could be a bird nest, a fallen branch, or a failing microinverter. Early detection saves you money.

Comparing Financing Options Side by Side

This decision trips up more New York homeowners than any other. Here's how the three main options stack up.

The cash purchase wins on total savings every time. You pocket all the incentives and pay no interest. On a $28,000 system after incentives, your effective cost is around $11,000.

Over 20 years, you save $30,000 to $40,000 on electricity.

The solar loan is a solid middle ground. You still own the system and claim the incentives. Your interest rate matters.

At 4 to 6% APR, the loan costs $4,000 to $8,000 in interest over 10 to 15 years. That eats into your savings, but you still come out ahead compared to staying on the grid.

The lease or PPA is the weakest option financially. The installer takes the incentives, and your savings are locked in at 10 to 20% below retail rates. Over 20 years, you might save $8,000 to $12,000 total.

That's real money, but far less than what you'd get from ownership. The tradeoff is convenience and zero upfront cost.

Regional Nuances Across New York

New York isn't a single market for solar. The differences between regions matter more than most people realize.

New York City and Long Island have the highest installation costs because of labor rates, permitting fees, and logistics. Getting solar panels to a fifth-floor walkup in Brooklyn adds cost. But those regions also have the highest electricity rates, which shortens the payback period.

The tradeoff is worth it for most eligible homes.

The Hudson Valley sits in a sweet spot. Installation costs are moderate, electricity rates are above average, and there's plenty of open roof space. NY-Sun incentives in this region are also slightly higher to encourage adoption.

Upstate New York has lower installation costs and more roof space per home. But electricity rates are lower, which stretches the payback period. The larger homes upstate often need bigger systems, 10 to 12 kW, which costs more upfront even at lower per-watt pricing.

Western New York, including Buffalo and Rochester, deals with the most snow. Tilted panels at 40 to 45 degrees shed snow well, but heavy lake-effect events can bury panels for days. The good news is that summer sun in western NY is strong, and total annual production is comparable to other upstate regions.

When Solar Doesn't Make Sense

Honesty matters here. Solar isn't right for every New York home. If any of these apply to you, it's probably not worth pursuing right now.

Your roof is north-facing or heavily shaded. No amount of incentives can fix a bad roof for solar. The production just isn't there.

You plan to move within five years. The payback period for most systems is 6 to 12 years. If you sell before that, you might not recoup your investment.

Solar can add value to your home, but it doesn't always add enough to cover the full system cost in a short ownership period.

Your roof needs replacement within five years. Installing solar on an aging roof leads to expensive removal and reinstallation. Wait until you replace the roof.

You can't use the tax credits. You need enough tax liability to claim the federal 30% credit and the state $5,000 credit. If your annual tax bill is lower than those amounts, you can carry the credit forward, but that delays your return on investment.

Leasing or community solar might be better options.

Your utility has unfavorable net metering rules. Some smaller NY utilities offer less generous net metering terms. Check with your specific utility before moving forward.

The Bottom Line

Solar panels in New York work best for homeowners who plan to stay put, have a south-facing roof with good sun, and can take advantage of the available incentives. The combination of high electricity rates, strong state support, and falling equipment costs makes this one of the better times to go solar in New York.

The key is doing your homework. Get three quotes. Check your roof condition and orientation.

Understand your utility's net metering rules. Run the numbers specific to your situation, not a generic average.

If the conditions line up, solar is a solid investment that pays for itself within a decade and delivers free electricity for another 15 to 20 years. If the conditions don't line up, community solar or energy efficiency upgrades might be a better use of your money.

Either way, you're asking the right question. That puts you ahead of most New York homeowners.

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• Quick Answer
• Step 1: Check Your Roof's Solar Potential
• Step 2: Run the Math for Your Specific Utility
• Step 3: Understand the Money Side
• The Decision Tree: Four Common NY Scenarios
• Mistakes I See All the Time in NY Solar
• Expert Tips / Pro Advice
• What About Batteries?
• The Real Numbers
• Your Next Steps
• Quick Answers to Common NY Solar Questions
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Maintenance and Long-Term Optimization
• Comparing Financing Options
• Regional Nuances Across New York
• When Solar Doesn't Make Sense
• The Bottom Line

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Maintenance and Long-Term Optimization Beyond Year One

Your solar system will produce power for decades, but it won't do it on autopilot. A few habits make the difference between a system that delivers for 30 years and one that underperforms by year 15.

Your monitoring app is your window into system health. Check it once a month. Enphase Enlighten and SolarEdge apps show you production at the panel level.

If one panel drops off while others are fine, you've got a problem. A dead microinverter, a bird nest under a panel, or a fallen branch causing shade can all cause a single panel to underperform. Catching it early means a warranty claim instead of an out-of-pocket repair.

Squirrels and birds love the warm, sheltered space under solar panels. In New York, squirrel damage is one of the most common warranty claims. They chew through wiring and nest in the gap between panels and roof.

A professional installer should install critical sealing guards around the perimeter of your array. If you see droppings or hear scratching, call your installer before the damage gets expensive. The cost of critter guards is typically $300 to $600 and pays for itself the first time it stops a squirrel from chewing through your wiring.

Your roof itself needs attention too. Solar panels don't cause leaks, but the mounting points where brackets attach to your roof are potential leak points if not properly flashed. Check your attic or ceiling for water stains after heavy rain or snow melt.

A good installer uses metal flashing that integrates with your shingles. If you see a leak, call a roofer who has experience with solar, not a general roofer who might damage the equipment.

Understanding Your Utility Bill After Solar

This is where confusion sets in for most new solar owners. Your bill won't go to zero. You'll still pay a monthly connection fee to your utility, typically $15 to $25 per month in New York.

That covers grid maintenance and the fixed costs of keeping you connected.

Your bill will show two numbers. Your consumption is what you pulled from the grid. Your production is what your panels sent back.

Under net metering, those cancel out over a billing cycle. Your net usage is the difference. If you produced more than you used, you get a credit for future months.

In the summer, you'll likely build up credits. In the winter, when days are short and your heating system runs, you'll draw down those credits.

The timing of your bill matters. Some utilities bill monthly and settle your net usage each month. Others do annual true-ups.

Con Edison, for example, bills monthly with a net metering credit applied each cycle. If you're on an annual true-up, you need to plan for a larger bill in months when your production is low.

The Changing Landscape for 2026 and Beyond

New York's energy policies are not static. The transition from net metering to net billing under the VDER framework is the biggest change on the horizon. New customers connecting after their utility's transition date will earn credits at a lower rate for excess solar energy sent to the grid.

That reduces the financial return on solar, but it doesn't eliminate it.

The good news is that the transition is being phased in by utility. Larger utilities like Con Edison and National Grid are moving first. Smaller municipal utilities may shift later.

If you apply now, you may be grandfathered under the old rules for 10 to 15 years, depending on the terms of your interconnection agreement.

The federal Investment Tax Credit is also scheduled to step down after 2032. It drops from 30% to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034. If you're considering solar, doing it sooner rather than later locks in the higher credit rate.

Comparing Solar to Other Home Improvements

Solar isn't the only way to lower your energy costs in New York. A few things compete for your home improvement budget.

Energy efficiency upgrades often have a faster payback. LED lighting, weatherstripping, attic insulation, and smart thermostats can cut your energy use by 10 to 20% for a fraction of the cost of solar. If your home is drafty and poorly insulated, those upgrades should come first.

Solar panels generate power, but they don't fix a leaky house.

Heat pumps are another option. New York's Clean Heat program offers rebates for heat pump installation, and they both heat and cool your home more efficiently than baseboard electric or oil heat. Heat pumps and solar panels pair well together.

You power the heat pump with solar electricity, reducing or eliminating your heating and cooling costs.

The order matters. First, seal and insulate your home. Second, replace inefficient appliances and heating systems.

Third, install solar. You'll need a smaller, cheaper solar system because your energy load is lower.

Resources for Verifying Installers

Before you sign anything, verify your installer through NYSERDA's database. The state maintains a list of approved contractors who meet insurance, licensing, and training requirements. Any installer on that list has passed a background check and agreed to NYSERDA's consumer protection standards.

You can also check the New York State Attorney General's office for complaints against specific companies. A few bad actors operate in the NY solar market, mostly aggressive sales teams pushing leases with high escalator clauses. The Attorney General has taken action against several companies for deceptive practices.

A quick search saves you headaches later.

Ask each installer for references from the last 12 months. Call those references. Ask about the installation experience, how long it took, and whether the system is meeting production estimates.

Good installers have happy customers who will vouch for them.

A Practical Timeline for Going Solar

Here's what a typical timeline looks like from decision to first day of production.

Total timeline: 3 to 6 months for most installations. Con Edison customers should expect the longer end of that range due to backlogged interconnection approvals.

Start the process in winter or early spring. That way you're generating during the high-production summer months. Starting in fall means you miss the best production season and you might hit snow before your system is operational.

Final Checklist Before You Sign

Before you commit, run through this checklist.

• Your roof faces south, west, or east with minimal shade.
• Your roof has at least 10 years of life remaining.
• Your site assessment confirmed at least 5 hours of direct sun on your best roof face.
• You have enough tax liability to claim the federal and state credits.
• You plan to stay in your home for at least 5 to 7 years.
• You have three quotes from NYSERDA-approved installers.
• You understand your utility's net metering or net billing terms.
• You know whether you're financing through cash, loan, or lease and what that means for your long-term savings.
• You've asked about critter guards and roof flashing.
• You know what happens if you sell your home before the system is paid off.

If you can check every box, you're ready to move forward. Solar in New York is a smart investment for the right home and the right homeowner. Take your time, ask good questions, and don't let a smooth-talking salesperson rush you into a decision you'll regret in year three.

The sun will still be there tomorrow. Make sure your roof and your finances are ready for it.

The Short Answer: When Solar Works in NY and When It Doesn't

Solar works best in New York when you have a south-facing roof with minimal shade, high electricity rates from Con Edison or PSEG, and a plan to stay in your home for at least seven years. It doesn't work well when your roof is shaded, north-facing, or needs replacement soon. The math also falls apart if you move within five years or can't use the tax credits.

The Three Numbers That Decide Everything

Three variables determine whether solar makes sense for you. Your roof's sun exposure and orientation set the ceiling on how much power you can generate. Your utility company and rate plan determine how much you save per kilowatt-hour.

Your upfront budget versus financing comfort decides how much of that savings you actually keep.

The Real Numbers: What NY Homeowners Actually Pay and Save

Based on aggregate data from NYSERDA and verified installer reports, a typical 7.5 kW system in Con Edison territory costs about $26,000 before incentives. After the federal credit, state credit, and NY-Sun rebate, your out-of-pocket cost drops to roughly $10,000 to $13,000. Payback averages 7 to 9 years.

Over 20 years, you save $28,000 to $35,000 on electricity.

Your Next Steps: Verify Before You Sign

Start with the NYSERDA installer database. Get three quotes from approved contractors. Ask each for a shade analysis, a production estimate, and a detailed quote with all costs itemized.

Check the New York Attorney General's office for complaints against any company you're considering. A good installer answers every question clearly and provides references from the last 12 months.

My Take: Who Should Go Solar in NY Right Now

If you own a home with a south-facing roof, you're a Con Edison customer, and you plan to stay for at least seven years, solar is a smart investment. The incentives are strong, the payback is solid, and the transition to net billing hasn't fully taken effect yet. If your roof is shaded or you're on a low-rate utility upstate, community solar or a smaller system might be a better fit.

Solar isn't right for everyone in New York. But for the right home with the right conditions, it's one of the best energy investments you can make.