2026 New York Solar Incentives Explained: What Long Island, Brooklyn & Queens Homeowners Can Still Claim

If you've been thinking about solar for your home, 2026 is a confusing year to figure out what you'll actually save. The rules changed — some incentives went away, others are alive and well — and a lot of what you'll read online is out of date.

So here's the honest, current picture for homeowners in Long Island, Brooklyn, and Queens, in plain English. No hype, no pressure — just what you can and can't claim right now.

First, the big change: the federal tax credit is gone (for buyers)

For years, the headline solar incentive was the 30% federal tax credit (the Residential Clean Energy Credit). If you're planning to buy your system with cash or a loan, here's the part most websites haven't caught up on: that credit ended on December 31, 2025. Homeowners who purchase and own their system in 2026 can no longer claim the 30% federal credit.

There's one important exception. If you go solar through a lease or a power purchase agreement (PPA) — where a company owns the panels and you pay for the power — the federal credit still exists on the company's side (through 2027) and gets passed along to you as lower payments. This is why "$0-down" solar is still very much a thing in 2026.

The takeaway: how you finance solar now matters more than ever. Buying and leasing lead to very different numbers this year, and that's exactly the kind of thing a good consultation sorts out before you commit.

What New York still offers (and it's a lot)

Losing the federal buyer credit stings, but New York remains one of the better states in the country for solar incentives. Here's what's still on the table.

1. The NY State Solar Tax Credit — 25%, up to $5,000

New York gives homeowners a state income tax credit worth 25% of your solar system's cost, capped at $5,000. If your tax bill in a given year isn't big enough to use the whole thing, it rolls over to future years until you've claimed it all. This one applies whether you're on Long Island or in the five boroughs.

2. NYC Property Tax Abatement — 30% (Brooklyn & Queens)

If your home is in Brooklyn or Queens (or anywhere in New York City), there's a bonus Long Island doesn't get: the NYC Solar Property Tax Abatement. It's worth 30% of your eligible solar costs, spread over four years as a reduction on your property tax bill. The program has been extended through 2035, so there's no need to panic — but there is a paperwork deadline each year (the application is generally due by March 15 to hit that year's tax bill).

3. NY-Sun Rebates

Through the state's NY-Sun program, homeowners in the Con Edison territory (which covers Brooklyn and Queens) can tap a per-watt rebate that comes off your system price up front. One note for Long Island readers: the NY-Sun block for Long Island (PSEG territory) is currently full, so availability there changes — another reason to check your specific address rather than trust a generic online number.

4. Net Metering

New York's net metering rules let you earn credit for the excess power your panels send back to the grid, which offsets the electricity you pull at night or on cloudy days. It's a meaningful part of the long-term savings math, and the way it's calculated depends on your utility — Con Edison for Brooklyn/Queens, PSEG Long Island for the Island.

Why "it depends on your address" is the honest answer

You've probably noticed a theme: the incentives you qualify for depend heavily on where your home is and how you finance it. A brownstone in Brooklyn, a single-family home in Nassau County, and a house in Queens can all end up with different numbers — different abatements, different rebates, different net-metering rules.

That's exactly why we work the way we do. As an independent solar energy consultant, The Lighthouse Movement isn't tied to any single installer or brand. We look at your actual bill, your actual roof, and your actual address, then match you with the best-fit installer and the financing path that makes the most of what you qualify for. Sometimes that's a purchase; sometimes a lease makes far more sense in the post-2025 landscape. We'll tell you straight either way — and if solar isn't right for your home, we'll tell you that too.

The bottom line for 2026

• The 30% federal credit is gone for homeowners who buy — but lives on through leases/PPAs as lower payments.

• New York's 25% state tax credit (up to $5,000) is still available statewide.

• Brooklyn & Queens homeowners can stack the 30% NYC property tax abatement on top.

• NY-Sun rebates and net metering still add to the savings, but vary by utility and address.

Solar can still absolutely pay off in our area — but the "right" answer is more personal in 2026 than it used to be.

Get a free, honest read on your home

Want to know exactly what your home qualifies for and whether the numbers work? Book a free, no-pressure solar consultation with The Lighthouse Movement. We serve homeowners across Long Island, Brooklyn, and Queens — and we'll give you a clear, independent picture before you decide anything.

📞 Call (631) 697-3006 or book your free consultation today.

This article is for general information only and reflects incentive programs as of 2026. Incentive eligibility and tax rules change and depend on your specific situation — please confirm details with a licensed tax professional before making decisions. The Lighthouse Movement is an independent solar energy consultant, not a tax advisor.