At the federal level, accelerated depreciation rules and a 30-percent renewable energy tax credit** can help offset the installed cost of a commercial solar energy system. Beyond this, a number of states -- like New York -- sponsor programs that can reduce costs even further. The main NY solar incentives are outlined below.

When you're ready to move forward with your project, you may want to consider filling out our solar energy information form. It's free and takes just a few minutes to complete. After learning about your company's energy needs, we'll work with our solar panel installation partners serving New York to get you a free site visit and competitive quotes.

**For solar commercial systems installed in 2009 and 2010, businesses can receive a solar energy grant equal to 30 percent of installed system costs -- instead of taking the federal tax credit. The grant option has been made possible by the federal stimulus package that was passed in February 2009.

Are you a New York homeowner? See our page on NY solar incentives for residential energy systems.

NY Solar Energy Rebates

There are two main solar rebate programs available in New York. The first -- sponsored by the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) -- is available to businesses operating in LIPA service territory. The second -- the bigger of the two -- is provided by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), and is available in all other NY locations, statewide. Below is a brief overview of each program.

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA): PV Incentive Program

This program has been suspended as of July 2010. For more details and updates on when it will reopen, check back here.

Long Island Power Authority (LIPA): PV Rebate Program

Eligible: Photovoltaics (PV) for all sectors

Amount for commercial systems: $1.75 per watt DC, for systems up to 50 kW in size (for max incentive of $87,500)

Amount for schools, non-profits and government: $2.75/watt DC (for a max incentive of $137,000)

NY Solar Energy Tax Credits

New York City - Property Tax Abatement for Photovoltaic (PV) Equipment Expenditures

Eligible: PV systems across all sectors in cities larger than 1 million people, therefore essentially PV systems in New York City

Amount: Installed from August 8, 2008 to December 31, 2010: 8.75% of system expenditures per year for 4 years (total of 35%); Installed from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2012: 5% of system expenditures per year for 4 years (total of 20%)

Other info: Up to $62,500 annually or the amount of real property taxes owed during a year. Solid legislative and institutional backing for next four years.

Green Building Tax Credit Program

Eligible: PV systems, solar water heating, solar space heating, efficiency measures

Amount: Varies by project, distributed over 5 years with a maximum incentive of $2 million per building.

Other info: Owners and tenants must work through an architect or engineer who will help obtain a credit certificate from the state for their project. The credits are distributed over a five year period with any unredeemed portion able to be carried forward indefinitely or transferred to a new owner or tenant.

[Last updated: 7/2/10]

New York Commercial Solar Incentives