Every month you wait to go solar in New York, you’re paying more to utility companies while missing out on long-term savings and incentives that won’t last forever. Energy costs here are among the highest in the country and with rates rising faster than inflation, waiting to act can lock you into decades of unnecessary expenses.
New York’s Spiraling Energy Costs
Electricity prices in New York are consistently above the national average. As of 2025, residents pay about 22.6¢ per kWh, with average monthly bills around $145. Since 2019, some households have seen their energy costs rise more than 50%.
This trend is unlikely to reverse. Utilities face mounting costs from:
- Aging infrastructure upgrades
- Inflationary pressures on fuel and labor
- Integration of renewable energy into the grid
- Increased demand from electrification of heating and transportation
New legislation has even been proposed to give lawmakers oversight over Public Service Commission (PSC)-approved hikes, underscoring the scale of consumer concern. Homeowners in New York often turn to New York Electric and Solar with questions about the true cost of waiting.
Incentives That Won’t Last Forever
One of the strongest financial arguments for going solar now is that major incentives are phasing out:
- Federal ITC (Investment Tax Credit): 30% credit available through December 31, 2025. After that, reductions or full expiration are expected.
- New York State Solar Tax Credit: 25% of installation costs, capped at $5,000, still active but subject to policy changes.
- NYSERDA Rebates: Historically helpful for lowering upfront costs, but many of these programs are ending by late 2025 or being reserved for low-to-moderate-income households.
Delaying installation risks losing thousands of dollars in incentives, shrinking the return on investment.
