How Does Solar Net Metering Work in New York?
April 23, 2025
Federal Solar Incentive: Covers 30% of your total system cost through the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC).
NYSERDA’s NY-Sun Program: Provides upfront rebates and financing options to reduce installation costs.
State Tax Incentive: Offers a tax credit of up to $5,000, directly lowering your state tax liability.
In Wyoming County, where rural communities like Warsaw, Perry, and Attica experience rising energy costs, homeowners are looking for a more affordable and reliable way to power their homes. With long winters and fluctuating electricity rates, solar energy provides a way to take control of your energy expenses while benefiting from New York State’s solar incentives.
Unlike many solar companies that push leases, Empire Solar only offers full system ownership, so you can start saving from day one. As a NYSERDA Gold Status Certified Installer, we handle everything from system design to permitting and installation, making the transition to solar easy and stress-free.
Most residents in Wyoming County receive their electricity from National Grid or NYSEG (New York State Electric & Gas). While utility rates fluctuate, they have steadily increased over the past decade, leaving homeowners with little control over rising bills.
With solar, you can:
Electricity rates vs. national average
Projected electricity costs over 10 years without solar
Average total incentive per household
In most cases, yes. If your electric bill is $100 a month or more, solar can be a really smart move here. New York offers some of the best solar incentives in the country, including a state tax credit, cash rebates through NYSERDA, and the federal 30% tax credit. Plus, electricity rates in New York tend to keep rising, so locking in lower energy costs now can save you a lot over the next 20–30 years. If your roof gets decent sun exposure, solar is definitely worth looking into.
Yes, New York State has strong net metering rules, and they apply in Wyoming County too. When your solar system makes more electricity than your home uses, you earn credits that roll over to future bills. Right now, most homeowners still qualify for 1:1 net metering, meaning you get full credit for the power you send back. It’s one of the biggest reasons going solar in New York is so beneficial right now.
You don't need endless sunshine for solar panels to work, you only need consistent light, and Wyoming County has it. The area gets about 4 to 5 peak sun hours a day and roughly 2,300 hours of sunshine a year. That’s enough to make solar a reliable option for most homes, especially with New York's strong incentives helping reduce costs. Even during the cloudier months, modern solar panels still produce energy. Homeowners across western New York are seeing significant savings with solar in conditions just like these.