New York battery programs in 2026
Both programs are run by NYSERDA, the state energy agency. We re-read both pages on October 3, 2026.
NYSERDA Residential Energy Storage (outside Long Island)
For new, permanent home batteries of 25 kWh or less, installed by a participating contractor. The rate per kWh depends on your region and changes over time. NYSERDA says a project can generally get several thousand dollars, and more for income-eligible homes or a Disadvantaged Community.
Long Island storage incentive
Only for a battery paired with grid-connected solar: new solar plus storage, or a battery added to existing solar. A participating NY-Sun contractor applies. Extra help for households under 80% of area median income.
Federal battery tax credit
The 30% federal credit ended for spending after December 31, 2025.
Why no exact dollar figure? NYSERDA posts its current per-kWh rates on a live dashboard that we could not read, and the program pages give no fixed amount. Rather than guess, ask your contractor to show you the current rate for your region in writing, and to confirm it in your contract.
Outside Long Island: how it works
You do not apply yourself. A participating contractor applies for you and the incentive comes off your price. The battery must be new, fixed in place and 25 kWh or smaller, which covers almost every home battery sold. Solar is not required. A battery charged from the grid can still qualify.
Because the rate is per kWh, a bigger battery gets more money, up to the 25 kWh limit. NYSERDA says the rate changes over time, so ask for today's rate when you get quotes.
On Long Island: solar comes first
Long Island homes buy power from PSEG Long Island, which runs on different rules. Here, NYSERDA's storage incentive only covers a battery tied to solar on your roof. It pays only for the storage part, not the panels. Batteries on Long Island can also earn payments at peak times through LIPA's Dynamic Load Management program.
Our city battery pages
We have local battery pages for three New York utilities, each with that utility's own details and local installers:
- New York City (Con Edison) battery rebates
- Brookhaven, Long Island (PSEG Long Island) battery rebates
- Newburgh (Central Hudson) battery rebates
Is a battery right for your home?
A battery is most useful if you lose power often, rely on a well pump or medical equipment, or already have solar. If outages are rare where you live, the incentive helps but the savings on your bill may be small. We will tell you plainly if it does not add up.
Questions to ask your contractor
Ask for the battery size in kWh, the incentive in dollars, and your price after the incentive. Ask which circuits the battery will run in an outage and for about how long. Ask whether you qualify for the higher income-eligible or Disadvantaged Community amount. Good contractors put all of this on the quote.
How to claim a New York battery incentive
- Check your bill: PSEG Long Island means the Long Island program. Any other utility means the main NYSERDA program.
- Find a NYSERDA participating contractor. Only they can apply.
- Ask the contractor for the current per-kWh rate in your region, in writing.
- On Long Island, plan the battery together with solar, or add it to the solar you have.
- Get the incentive amount written into your contract before you sign.
More for New York homes
- New York home rebates: every program in one place
- Con Edison rebates: what Con Edison pays
- PSEG Long Island rebates: Long Island's own program
- Central Hudson rebates: Hudson Valley offers
- NYS Clean Heat: heat pump rebates
Common questions
Does New York give a rebate for home batteries?
Yes. NYSERDA pays a per-kWh incentive for home batteries of 25 kWh or less installed by a participating contractor outside Long Island. Long Island has its own program for batteries paired with solar.
How much is the NYSERDA battery incentive?
It depends on your region and changes over time. NYSERDA says a project can generally get several thousand dollars, with more for income-eligible homes and Disadvantaged Communities. Ask your contractor for the current rate.
Do I need solar for a New York battery rebate?
Not outside Long Island. On Long Island, yes: the battery must be paired with grid-connected solar.
Can I apply myself?
No. A participating contractor applies for you, and the incentive is taken off your price.
Is the federal battery tax credit still available?
No, not for systems installed in 2026.
By Sam Menard. Sources, last read October 3, 2026: NYSERDA residential storage incentives, NYSERDA Long Island storage, IRS residential clean energy credit.