2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Northport, NY - Tax Credits & Rebates

In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Northport.

You'll learn about:

  • Local & State Solar Incentives
  • Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2023 and beyond)
  • Ways to optimize your solar investment

Solar installers are experts in maximizing your solar tax credits and rebates.
Get a free quote from one of our trusted Northport solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Northport?

State of NY Commercial PACE Financing Program

Incentive Type:
PACE Financing
Locally determined

Residential Solar Tax Credit

Incentive Type:
Personal Tax Credit
25% for solar-electric (PV) and solar-thermal systems; for third-party owned systems this is in reference to the aggregate amount owed under the contract rather than the amount owed in any single year

Refundable Clean Heating Fuel Tax Credit (Corporate)

Incentive Type:
Corporate Tax Credit
$0.01/gallon for each percent of biodiesel

NY-Sun Loan Program

Incentive Type:
Loan Program
Residential Customers: $1,500 - $25,000

Small Business and Not-for-Profit Organizations:
Participation Loans: up to $100,000 (at low interest rate)
On-Bill Recovery loans: $50,000 at 2%

Residential Wood Heating Fuel Exemption

Incentive Type:
Sales Tax Incentive
100% exemption

Local Option - Solar Sales Tax Exemption

Incentive Type:
Sales Tax Incentive
Upon local authorization, 100% exemption from local sales tax

Solar Sales Tax Exemption

Incentive Type:
Sales Tax Incentive
100% exemption from state sales tax

Local Option - Real Property Tax Exemption for Green Buildings

Incentive Type:
Property Tax Incentive
Upon local adoption, 20% - 100% of real property taxes owed; varies by year and certification level

Energy Conservation Improvements Property Tax Exemption

Incentive Type:
Property Tax Incentive
100% of the value added to the residence by the improvements

Local Option - Solar, Wind & Biomass Energy Systems Exemption

Incentive Type:
Property Tax Incentive
100% exemption for 15 years (unless local jurisdiction has opted out)

NY-Sun PV Incentive Program (Residential, Low-Income, and Small Business)

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Incentive rates step down over time as MW goals are met. Incentive rates as of 11/27/2019 are:

Residential:
Long Island Region: $0.00/W (MW blocks have been fully subscribed)
Con Edison Region: $0.30/W
Upstate Region: $0.35/W
Low-to-Moderate income customers: $0.80/W (up to 10 kW)

Small Commercial (Non-Residential): Long Island Region: $0.00/W (MW blocks have been fully subscribed)
Con Edison Region: $0.60/W
Up State Region: $0.45/W

Multifamily Affordable Housing Adder: additional $0.40/W (up to 50 kW)
Learn more:

PSEG Long Island - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Appliances
Advanced Power Strips: $10 - $20
Air Purifier: $25 - $50
Clothes Dryer: $50 - $250
Clothes Washer: $50
Dehumidifier: $30
Dishwasher: $50
Exhaust Fan: $20 - $25
Electric Freezer: $30
Heat Pump Water Heater: $650
Pool Pumps: $150 - $350
Refrigerator: $50
Refrigerator Recycling: $50

Lighting
Instant Rebates Vary by Product
Bulk Light Purchases: Up to $2 - $3/unit

Cooling & Heating
Central Air Conditioning: $450
Smart Thermostat: $85
Ground Source Heat Pump: $2,000/ton

Ground Source Heat Pump Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Small Systems (≤ 10 cooling tons): $1,500/cooling ton
Large Systems (> 10 cooling tons): $1,200/cooling ton

Home Performance with ENERGY STAR

Incentive Type:
Loan Program

NY Green Bank

Incentive Type:
Other Incentive

Refundable Clean Heating Fuel Tax Credit (Personal)

Incentive Type:
Personal Tax Credit
$0.01/gallon for each percent of biodiesel

Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit

Incentive Type:
Personal Tax Credit
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/


The phrase "solar incentives" includes a wide range of financial incentives implemented to make installing and using solar panels more affordable. This is done to encourage people to switch to renewable energy. Incentives could include things like discounts, cash back or credit on your utility bill each month. Some incentives are offered federally, while others are offered by the state of New York or by your specific utility company, county or municipality. Some broad categories of solar incentives include:

  • Rebates: Solar rebates might be provided by your local utility company, or by your state or county. These rebates are essentially cash back that is applied after you purchase a solar system and before tax credits are calculated.
  • Net Metering: Net metering factors in once your solar panels are up and running. If you have a net metering agreement with your Northport utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your utility bill each month. In some areas, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in other places you may get refunded a percentage of the value.
  • Tax Exemptions: These might come in the form of property tax exemptions, which let you ignore the value added by your solar panels when paying property tax on your house. They may also include exemptions on sales tax at the time of purchase.
  • Tax Credits: Tax credits reduce, dollar-for-dollar, the total amount of tax you owe the government. These are different from tax deductions.

Best National Provider

SunPower

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  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
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  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

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4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Federal Solar Incentives

When someone says "solar incentives," you probably think of federal incentives first. You may have heard of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. This is a tax credit equal to a certain percentage of the money you spend on your solar system.

The ITC is applied to the total cost of solar system installation, including the panels themselves as well as accessories, equipment and labor. This credit can be claimed for panels installed after January 1, 2006 on a primary or secondary residence located in the United States that you own. Originally set at 30% of total costs, the credit has fluctuated over time, and you may qualify for different amounts depending on when your project was completed. There is no maximum claim amount.

Contacting your local Northport solar panel installer is the best way to learn more about how the ITC applies to you.

In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act laid out new provisions for the ITC, now called the Clean Energy Credit. The Clean Energy Credit re-raises the credit up to 30% for solar installation projects started after January 1, 2022 and completed by the end of 2032. After this, the credit percentage will be reduced slightly each year until the end of the program in 2035. Starting in 2023, the expansion will also make credits for energy storage systems even easier to claim.

Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local Northport solar panel company is the best resource for answering your questions about the new Clean Energy Credit and how it applies to you.

State & Local Solar Incentives

In addition to those provided at the federal level, there are often also state solar incentives. Tax credits, rebates and more may be available at a more local level. These solar incentives — which may be handled by your county or municipality, or by the state of New York — may be offered on an ongoing basis, or for only a limited time.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Northport

The large number of available solar incentives has contributed greatly to the increase in the use of solar power nationwide over the last 15 years. You may receive solar incentives from your local utility company, the New York government or the federal government. Reach out to your local solar panel installation company today to find out more information and to save as much money as possible on solar panels for your Northport home.

EcoWatch's Northport, NY Solar Incentives FAQs

If my house already has solar panels, can I still claim incentives?

If your solar panels were installed after January 1, 2022, you may qualify for the newly increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. If you had your system installed between 2006 and 2021, you might qualify for a tax credit between 26% and 30%, depending on the date of installation. Speaking with a representative from the company that installed your system, or any local Northport solar installer, can help you understand what incentives you qualify for.

How much can I save annually on my electric bill if I add solar panels to my house in Northport?

Generally, Northport homeowners who install solar panels save about $1,151.18 per year, or about $21,872.41 over 20 years after making the switch.

What are the top solar panel installation companies near me?

To find the right solar panel installer for you, check out our guide to the best solar companies in Northport.

How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?

The Clean Energy Credit (formerly called the federal solar tax credit, or ITC), currently ends on January 1, 2035. Currently set at 30%, the credit will drop to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034.

Can I use both solar and another type of renewable energy to power my home?

Yes, you can employ multiple types of renewable energy to power your home, such as a combination of solar and geothermal. You can also combine renewable energy generation with a non-renewable backup source of energy. You should discuss your proposed plan with your local Northport solar panel installer, so that you understand what you'll need and what incentives you may or may not qualify for.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Solar incentive research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.

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