Renewable Energy
solar power
There are three different ways to power your home with solar power, with options for homeowners and renters. If you purchase a system, solar installation incentives typically cover up to 60-65% of a system's cost. But purchase is not required; there are options to purchase solar power generated locally at prices that are lower than the utilities', including a free subscription program for income-eligible New York residents.
Residential solar
Residential solar is a great choice if you have a suitable location for your solar panels on your roof or property. There are three main incentives available to homes in the area:
NYSERDA rebate - $0.35/watt
NYS Tax Credit - 25% of cost, after the rebate, up to $5,000. Credit can be claimed over five years.
Federal Tax Credit - 30% of cost, after the rebate. Valid for projects completed through 2032.
Income-eligible households (those earning less than 80% median area income) qualify for double the normal NYSERDA rebate (currently, $0.70/watt vs $0.35/watt). (If you qualify for the Assisted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program, you qualify for Affordable Solar.)
In addition, there are financing options to help pay for the remainder of the cost after incentives.
community solar subscription
Subscription solar allows you to buy electricity directly from a solar farm in NYS without owning the panels. This can be a great option for renters or those unable to install a solar system.
Subscription solar models don't have upfront costs, are usually short-term contracts, and are generally cheaper than utility rates, usually offering a 5% or 10% discount. Subscription solar works for those who receive a bill from a major utility (e.g. NYSEG or National Grid) and do not have a demand charge on their bill.
To find a community solar project accepting customers, visit NYSERDA’s Community Solar Projects page.
Hydro Power
Some areas of the North Country can subscribe to receive their power from local hydroelectric sources. Like subscription solar, subscription hydro allows you to buy electricity directly from a local hydro facility in our region. Northern Power and Light is a North Country-based subscription hydro company.
Residential Clean Energy Credit
The Residential Clean Energy Credit provides a tax credit of up to 30% for
Fuel cells
Battery storage technology
Solar electric panels
Solar hot water heaters
Small wind energy systems
Geothermal heat pumps
Biomass fuel units
A few qualifications must be met in order to receive this credit:
Fuel cell property is limited to $500 for each half kilowatt of capacity
You can't claim the credit if you're a landlord or other property owner who doesn't live in the home
Used (previously owned) clean energy property is not eligible
Solar water heaters must be certified by the Solar Rating Certification Corporation or a comparable entity endorsed by your state
Geothermal heat pumps must meet Energy Star requirements
Battery storage technology must have a capacity of at least 3 kilowatt hours
Traditional roofing materials and structural components do not qualify