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

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

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 West Hempstead solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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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 West Hempstead?

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 term "solar incentives" refers broadly to financial incentives put in place by solar companies and the government to encourage people to use renewable energy by making the installation and use of solar panels more affordable. Different kinds of incentives, such as discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits, might be available to you. Some incentives may be provided via the New York government, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while others are federal. Categories of solar incentives include:

  • Rebates: Solar rebates may be provided by your local utility company, or by your state or county. These rebates work as partial refunds that are applied after you purchase a solar system and before tax credits are calculated.
  • Net Metering: Be sure to speak to your West Hempstead utility company about signing a net metering contract. This will allow you to receive credit towards your monthly utility bill for the value of excess energy your solar panels generate. You might receive either a dollar-for-dollar credit or a percentage of the value.
  • Tax Credits: Different from tax deductions, tax credits reduce, dollar-for-dollar, the amount of income tax that you owe the federal government.
  • Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions are effective at the point of sale for your solar panels. Property tax exemptions allow you to exclude the value that your solar panels add when calculating how much property tax you need to pay on your house.

Federal Solar Incentives

Federal incentives are the kind of incentives that you are most likely to have some familiarity with. The solar incentive that you're most familiar with is probably the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which provides a credit on your taxes equal to a percentage of your solar system's cost.

The ITC can be credited towards the value of solar panels installed on your primary or secondary residence in the United States. The solar panels have to have been installed on a property you own after January 1, 2006 for you to claim the credit. The ITC initially covered 30% of all system costs (panels, equipment, labor and accessories), although the amount has fluctuated slightly over the last few years between 26-30%. The installation date of your solar system will determine what percentage you are eligible for. There is no cap on the amount you can claim.

Talking to your local West Hempstead solar panel installation expert is the best way to learn more about how the ITC applies to you.

In August 2022, the ITC (now referred to as the Clean Energy Credit) was bolstered by the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. The Clean Energy Credit has increased the current credit up to 30% for solar installation projects started after January 1, 2022 and completed by the end of 2032. At this point, the credit percentage will be reduced slightly each year until the end of the program in 2035. The program expansion also makes credits for energy storage systems even easier to claim, beginning in 2023.

More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. Your local West Hempstead solar panel installer can answer any questions you have and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit may apply to you.

State & Local Solar Incentives

There are often state solar incentives available in addition to federal ones. Tax credits, rebates and more may be available at a more local level. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others are offered for only a limited time. Local solar incentives may come from the New York government, or from your specific county or municipality.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in West Hempstead

The large number of available solar incentives has enormously increased the nationwide adoption of solar energy over the past 15 years. You might qualify for solar incentives from the New York government, the federal government or your local utility company. Talking to your local West Hempstead solar panel installer is the right first step towards getting all the incentives you qualify for when you switch to solar energy.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

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

EcoWatch's West Hempstead, NY Solar Incentives FAQs

What if I am planning to add a solar system to a rental property, vacation home or commercial property? Do I still qualify for incentives?

While we recommend getting in touch with your local solar installer and/or tax professional to fully understand what solar incentives apply to you, many incentives will apply to a second home, as long as it is in the United States and owned by you. There may be other incentives available specifically for commercial properties, depending on the specifics.

How do I learn if I qualify for specific solar incentives?

It's a smart idea to get in touch with your local West Hempstead solar installer to get an understanding of which incentives your project will qualify for. Usually, solar incentives apply to new solar panel systems installed on a property you own (in the U.S.) within a specified date range. Some incentives, like those provided by the New York government, may have additional requirements.

How much can I save on my electric bill annually if I install solar panels on my house in West Hempstead?

After adding solar panels to your home in West Hempstead, you can anticipate savings of about $1,130.89 per year, or about $21,486.99 over 20 years.

What are the highest-rated solar panel installation companies near me?

To find the best solar panel installation companies near you, read our article on West Hempstead's best solar panel companies.

Can I use a combination of multiple types of renewable energy to power my home?

Yes, you can employ multiple types of renewable energy to power your home — for example, a combination of geothermal and solar. You can also use both renewable energy sources and a non-renewable backup source of energy. Be sure to discuss the details of your plan with your local West Hempstead solar installation expert, so that you understand what you'll need and what incentives you will or won't 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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