Are Solar Panels Worth It in New York City? Cost, Benefits & Incentives in 2026

If you’ve opened a utility bill lately, you know electricity costs are going up in New York City. The best way to avoid rising costs is by generating your own power with solar panels. But are they really worth it in the city?

Absolutely. New York City is one of the best places in the country to go solar thanks to rich incentives and a strong net metering policy.

At Brooklyn SolarWorks, we work around challenges like flat roofs and shade from surrounding buildings to make solar a smart investment for NYC homeowners. Our customers save an average of $80,000 or more on electricity costs with solar panels!

Here’s a closer look at the cost, benefits, and incentives you can expect from solar panels in NYC in 2026.

How Much Do Rooftop Solar Panels Cost in New York City?

The cost to install solar panels in New York City starts at $30,000 before incentives, but varies for each home. Luckily, NYC is one of the most incentive-rich areas in the country. You could save up to 65% on your installation costs with local incentives.

What Are the NYC Solar Incentives for 2026?

There are excellent incentives for rooftop solar installation in NYC in 2026, including:

• New York State Solar Tax Credit – You can claim 25% of your solar installation costs, up to $5,000, as a credit on your state income taxes.
• NYC Property Tax Abatement – Going solar reduces your property taxes. You’ll save 30% of your system’s eligible installation costs over 4 years.
• NYS Historic Homeownership Rehabilitation Tax Credit – If you live in a qualifying historic district or Landmarked home, you can claim an additional 20% tax credit.
• Net Metering – You earn utility credits for the excess electricity your solar panels send to the grid, essentially using it as a virtual battery.

Is There Net Metering in New York City?

Yes, New York City has one of the best net metering policies in the country! It allows you to use the electric grid as a virtual battery. When your solar panels produce more electricity than you need, the excess is automatically sent to the grid. Con Edison credits you for every kWh you send them at the full retail price of electricity. Your credits are then automatically applied to offset the cost of grid electricity you use when your solar panels are not producing power, like at night.

What Are the Benefits of Solar Panel Installation in NYC?

Save Money on Electric Bills

Electricity rates have shot up 26% in NYC since 2020. By generating your own electricity with solar panels, you’ll significantly reduce your electric bills. Over time, these savings add up, offsetting the initial cost of installation and providing a rich return on your investment.

Want a free estimate of your potential savings? Schedule a quick phone consultation today!

Avoid Rising Electricity Rates

Over the past 10 years, energy prices have increased by an average of 3% per year. In 2025, the average Con Ed rate was $0.36 per kWh. If the 3% increase stays steady, we’ll be paying $1.09 per kWh in 30 years.

With solar panels, you’re essentially buying that next 25-30 years of energy in bulk and locking in a lower cost per kWh for decades.

Do Your Part for the Planet

Solar power is a clean, renewable energy source that reduces our reliance on fossil fuels. By installing solar panels on your home in NYC in 2026, you can help decrease greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable environment.

With every solar system installed in NYC, we become that much closer to reaching our climate goals.

Increase Your Home’s Value

Homes and businesses with solar power systems often see an increase in property value. Zillow reports that homes with solar panels in NYC sell for 5.4% more on average than comparable homes without them. That translates to an additional $43,193 on the median sale price in NYC.

Support Job Creation in NYC

The solar industry is a growing field that creates jobs in installation, maintenance, manufacturing, and more. By going solar, you’re not only benefiting yourself but also contributing to local economic growth.

Our growing team is made up of 80 of your fellow New Yorkers. When you support a local installer like us, you’re supporting the local economy, too.

Are Solar Panels Worth It for Your Home in NYC?

Solar power is definitely worth it, but every building is different and therefore has different solar potential.

How to Tell if Your House Is Good for Solar

Here are the factors we consider when evaluating your roof for solar panel installation in NYC.

1. Sun Exposure

   For solar panels to be effective, they need adequate sun exposure. In NYC, tall buildings can create shading issues, reducing the efficiency of your solar panels. Our solar canopies solve this problem by lifting your panels up and out of the shade.

   

   To find the best position for your solar panels, we use special tools to measure sun exposure at various locations on your roof.

2. Roof Type

   Many homes in New York City have small or obstructed roofs, with skylights, fire escapes, hatches, and HVAC equipment. On top of this, there are strict fire codes to adhere to.

   With so many obstacles to work around, many solar installers won’t or can’t install solar panels in the city. At Brooklyn SolarWorks, however, we make the impossible possible with solutions like:

   • Solar Canopies – We designed our own, patented solar canopy to make solar possible on flat, crowded roofs. It elevates your panels above obstacles and keeps fire paths clear while lifting your panels out of shade from surrounding buildings.
   • Tilt Racks – Tilt racks put your panels in the best position to capture sunlight. They’re also low-profile and hard to see from the street, making them perfect for historic homes in NYC.
   • Ballast Racks – Ballasted solar panels are held down with weights instead of screwing into your roof. They’re great for buildings with large roofs, like co-ops.
   • Traditional Mounts – If you have an angled roof in Brooklyn or Staten Island, a traditional mounting system works perfectly.

   

   Two solar canopies in Harlem, New York.

3. Electricity Consumption

   Your energy consumption plays a crucial role in determining the financial viability of solar power.

   If your energy usage is low, many installers will tell you solar is not worth it because smaller-scale installations aren’t profitable for them. That doesn’t mean it isn’t profitable for you. At Brooklyn SolarWorks, we design custom solar systems for low-electricity homes that can cover 100% of your usage costs.

   On the other hand, if you have high energy usage but limited roof space, it may also be challenging to achieve significant savings. Our systems are designed to maximize available space so you can generate more power, even on a small or crowded roof.

4. Building or Regulatory Restrictions

   Depending on the type of home or building you live in, there may be some restrictions to consider.

   • Condos & Co-ops – Boards and homeowner’s associations can complicate the decision-making process. We’ve installed solar on plenty of condos and co-ops and are happy to discuss concerns with decision makers.
   • Landmarked & Historic Homes – NYC has strict regulations for landmarked buildings, where the solar installation cannot be visible from the street level. We install low-profile systems that meet code and make solar for historic homes in NYC possible.

How to Get Started with Solar Energy in NYC

Get Your Free Consultation

Schedule a free consultation with us to determine if your home is suitable for solar power. We’ll evaluate factors like sun exposure, roof space, and energy usage to provide a comprehensive assessment and see how much your home could save with solar.

Brooklyn SolarWorks site evaluators on a NYC rooftop!

Choose a Qualified Installer

New York City’s landscape for solar is unique compared to the rest of the country. This makes it essential to work with a reputable local installer who knows how to navigate the city’s strict regulations and building codes, rather than a national company. Choose Brooklyn SolarWorks to ensure a smooth and compliant installation process.

Go Solar in 2026 with NYC’s Local Experts

Ready to explore solar power for your home in New York City? Contact Brooklyn SolarWorks to find out if it’s a good candidate for solar energy. Our team of solar experts will guide you through the process, from assessment to installation, ensuring you collect all the solar benefits you can in New York City.

Call 929-977-0058 or schedule your free solar consultation today!