New York programs
Each program below, in plain terms. No invented rates.
Happy Solar is a NY-Sun participating contractor. NY-Sun pays an incentive per watt installed, and the rate depends on your region, your project size, and how much program funding is left. Because the rate steps down as funds are used, we quote it on your actual design rather than posting a number that will be wrong next month.
New York's Solar Energy System Equipment Credit is 25% of your qualified equipment cost, capped at $5,000. It's a credit on your New York State return, not a check in the mail. You claim it on Form IT-255 for a system at your principal residence. It's non-refundable, but unused credit carries forward for up to five years. Confirm the details with your tax preparer.
If you buy or finance your system in 2026, you do not get the 30% federal residential credit. That path ended for systems placed in service after December 31, 2025. A lease or PPA is different: the company that owns the system can still claim the federal credit, and that credit can show up as a lower monthly payment for you. You do not claim it on your tax return. The owner does. It is not automatic and not guaranteed, so ask how the federal credit is reflected in your quote.
$0 down means the system is financed, not free. Qualifying homeowners pay nothing at install and replace their electric bill with a fixed monthly solar payment.
Incentives help, but most of your savings come from using the power you make instead of buying it from NYSEG, RG&E, or National Grid. Our estimates start at a conservative 20%. Qualifying homes save up to 40%.
Sources: tax.ny.gov, Solar Energy System Equipment Credit; NYSERDA NY-Sun.
No obligation
The only way to know your real number is to run your address. It takes about 30 seconds.
