In New York, a 5.7-kW system for an average home costs about $11,883 after incentives in 2026, saves about $2,058 in the first year and pays back in 5.4 years.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Solar, 5.72 kW × $2.77/W | $15,844 |
| Federal credit (0%) | $0 |
| State incentive | −$3,961 |
| Net cost | $11,883 |
| Scenario | Net cost | Year-1 savings | Payback | 25-yr net |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State averages (above) | $11,883 | $2,058 | 5.4 yr | $61,176 |
| Rates rise 5.6%/yr (2020–25 pace) | $11,883 | $2,058 | 5.1 yr | $90,907 |
| Rates stay flat | $11,883 | $2,058 | 5.8 yr | $38,463 |
| Survey price $3.9/W (LBNL) | $17,308 | $2,058 | 7.6 yr | $55,751 |
| Add 13.5-kWh battery | $23,871 | $2,058 | 10.1 yr | $49,188 |
| Exports cut to 50% of retail | $8,227 | $1,047 | 7.3 yr | $27,471 |
Verdict: at average New York numbers, solar is a strong investment in 2026 — payback takes 5.4 years, leaving you $61,176 ahead after 25 years. The main reasons: electricity that costs more than in all but 4 states; 1:1 net metering, which credits every exported kWh at the full retail price; a state incentive worth about $3,961. Pay cash if you can: Berkeley Lab found loan-financed systems priced about $1.50/W above cash installs in 2025, which can add years to the payback.
Net metering and exports in New York: Net metering (Phase One NEM) for systems <=25 kW with monthly Customer Benefit Contribution charge ($0.97-$1.67/month 2026 by utility); EnergySage says systems can lock net metering 20 years.
Battery: a 13.5-kWh battery at the New York average of $888/kWh adds $11,988 and saves almost nothing extra under 1:1 net metering — buy it for backup, not payback; payback becomes 10.1 years.
EnergySage's New York page lists a 12.2-year payback. Its method is not fully published; ours uses EIA's Jan–Aug 2026 price, 1:1 net metering, 3%/yr rate growth and 0.5%/yr panel aging, with no federal credit.
The full method, material data and tips are on the main solar payback calculator page.