Incentivizing Solar in NYS

How much does it cost to install a residential solar system?

That depends on a variety of factors, including system size, roof type, roof slope, and municipal permitting process. For example, the larger the system, the higher the costs, but the lower the average cost per watt installed. The steeper the roof, the higher the cost. Is the roof material composite shinge? Asphalt shingle? Tile? Slate? Some materials are easier to work with than others, which factors into the cost. Is the roof one story or three? The higher up we have to transport your panels, the higher the cost.

To provide an indication of what most people pay, we turn to NYSERDA, which provides the most accurate data on the New York State solar market.

In 2023, the median pre-incentive cost for a solar array in Westchester, NY was $31,447 for a 7.2 kW system, according to NYSERDA internal data published here. The median post-incentive cost was $15,658.

Most solar installations qualify for NY Sun Residential Block 9, NYS Solar Energy Equipment Credit, and Federal Residential Energy Credit. The Federal Low-Income Bonus Credit and Federal Domestic Content Bonus Credit require special applications.

Toggle any incentive on/off to see how they reduce the total.

Pre-Incentive Total

$31,447

NY Sun (Con Edison) – Residential (Block 9)

Pre Incentive Post Incentive

NYS Solar System Energy Equipment Credit

Pre Incentive Post Incentive

Federal Residential Energy Credit

Pre Incentive Post Incentive

Post-Incentive Total

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Breakdown of cost by category below

Labor

Labor: this is a function of the number of employee hours it will take to build the array multiplied by the cost of each hour.

Solar modules

The cost of solar modules has fallen significantly over the past decade, by around 90%; however, they still represent the single most expense part of the installation.

Inverters

The inverters, whether micro inverters or string inverters, represent the second most expensive equipment expense behind the modules.

Balance of System

Balance of System comprises the conduit, wire, cables, racking, breakers, and combiner boxes.

Permitting

Permitting is the administrative hours and fees related to preparing and filing permits with the local municipal government, the utility company, and NYSERDA.

Inspection

Inspection includes the administrative hours and fees related to scheduling and completing electrical and building inspections as necessary.

Adders

Our base pricing is based on a standard, composite shingle roof in good condition of average slope, a functioning, standard size main electrical panel, and a house no more than two stories in height. Steep slopes, electrical service upgrades, heights greater than two stories, tiles, slate or other hard materials will result in higher prices.

Incentivizing Solar in NYS

Pre-Incentive Total

NY Sun (Con Edison) – Residential (Block 9)

NYS Solar System Energy Equipment Credit

Federal Residential Energy Credit

Post-Incentive Total

Breakdown of cost by category below

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