Solar incentives on Long Island, explained
What’s still available for New York homeowners, what changed, and how much it can take off the price. We keep this page current so you don’t have to dig.
Last reviewed November 2026
The federal tax credit for homeowner-owned solar has ended.
The 30% federal Residential Clean Energy Credit was ended by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and no longer applies to systems you own that are placed in service in 2026 or later. If another company told you otherwise, ask them to show you the details. New York State incentives are still available, and they're below.
- What's available
Incentives Long Island homeowners can still use
NY State solar tax credit
25%, up to $5,000
of qualified equipment costs
A New York State income tax credit for solar at your primary home. If the credit is more than you owe in a year, the rest carries forward for up to five years.
Who qualifies: buyers, and homeowners on qualifying leases or 10+ year PPAs
Sales tax exemption
No state sales tax
on residential solar equipment and installation
New York doesn’t charge state sales tax on home solar systems. Local sales tax rules can differ, so we confirm what applies in your county.
Who qualifies: residential solar purchases
Property tax exemption
15 years
of exemption on the added value
Under New York’s solar property tax exemption, the value solar adds to your home generally isn’t taxed for 15 years. Some towns and school districts have opted out, so we check yours.
Who qualifies: homeowners in towns that haven’t opted out
PSEG Long Island net metering
Bill credits
for power you send to the grid
Extra solar power earns credits on your PSEG Long Island account that carry forward month to month. Credit terms depend on when your system is connected, so we confirm the current rules.
Who qualifies: grid-connected solar customers
NY-Sun Affordable Solar
Upfront incentive
per watt, for income-eligible households
NYSERDA’s NY-Sun program offers an extra upfront incentive on Long Island for households that meet income guidelines. Funding comes in blocks that open and close, so availability changes. We’ll check if you qualify and whether funds are open.
Who qualifies: income-eligible Long Island households
- What it can look like
An example of how the state credit adds up
Your real numbers depend on your system, your taxes, and your town. This shows how the pieces stack up on a purchase.
Crisp Energy isn’t a tax advisor. Talk to your accountant about how credits apply to your situation.
Example: buying a home system
Illustrative only
System price
$30,000
NY sales tax
$0
NY State tax credit (25%, capped)
− $5,000
Net cost after state credit
$25,000
Plus ongoing bill savings from net metering, and up to 15 years of property tax exemption on the added value, where it applies.
- Questions
Questions about incentives
Is there still a federal solar tax credit?
Not for systems homeowners own that are placed in service in 2026 or later. Companies that own systems through leases and PPAs may still qualify for federal business credits, which can affect the rate they offer you. We’ll ask each installer how that’s reflected in your price.
Do I get the NY credit if I lease?
Possibly. New York’s credit can apply to qualifying leases and power purchase agreements of 10 years or more. We’ll confirm before you choose.
What if I don't owe enough NY tax to use the full credit?
The unused part carries forward for up to five years. Your accountant can tell you how that plays out for you.
How do I know which incentives apply to my home?
That’s part of the free consultation. Kevin checks your town, your utility, and your situation, and shows you the incentives in dollars.
- Free consultation
Want the incentives for your home, in dollars?
Kevin will check every credit and exemption that applies to you during a free consultation.
TALK TO KEVIN DIRECTLY
Call or text. Free, no-obligation advice from a Long Island solar advisor.