What solar incentives exist in Rochester
We re-read NYSERDA's Paying for Solar page on October 3, 2026. NY-Sun is a state program, so it works the same across RG&E's territory. Sources are at the bottom of the page.
NY-Sun incentive
Paid through a participating contractor and usually taken off the top of your bill. The amount depends on system size and location, and steps down over time.
Affordable Solar
For households under 80% of area median income. Fill out NYSERDA's Income Eligibility Application.
New York State solar tax credit
A personal state income tax credit for panels at your own home.
Property tax exemption
Keeps the value solar adds off your property tax, unless your local government opted out. Ask your assessor.
Federal 25D credit
Does not apply to systems placed in service after December 31, 2025.
How to read a quote
NYSERDA requires contractors to disclose the NY-Sun incentive they get in your contract. Start from the full price, subtract that NY-Sun amount, then take 25% of what you paid as a state tax credit when you file. Ask a tax advisor how much of the credit you can use in one year, since it reduces state tax you owe.
Rochester homes and solar
The US Census Bureau's American Community Survey (2020 to 2024) counts about 104,500 homes in Rochester. 44% are single detached houses, more than in Buffalo or Syracuse, and about 38% of households own their home. Detached owner-occupied houses are the homes that can most easily put panels on the roof.
Roofs are old here. 54% of Rochester homes were built in 1939 or earlier, per the same Census survey. That says nothing about when the roof was last replaced, but it is a reason to have a roofer look first. Taking panels off to reroof later costs real money.
Paying for the rest
NYSERDA offers two loan types through its lending partner. An On-Bill Recovery Loan puts the payment on your utility bill. A Smart Energy Loan has normal monthly payments. NYSERDA says in some cases the bill savings can cover the loan payment. Home equity loans are another option, with your house as collateral.
Renters: community solar
About 62% of Rochester households rent. You cannot put panels on a building you do not own, but NY-Sun's community solar lets renters and homeowners subscribe to a solar farm elsewhere in the state and get bill credits. NYSERDA lists projects by utility area, so look for ones open to RG&E customers.
Solar plus heat pump or battery
Solar pairs well with electric heat. 22% of Rochester homes already heat with electricity, per the Census survey, and RG&E pays up to $12,000 through NYS Clean Heat for a heat pump with old-system removal in a weatherized home. See our Rochester heat pump guide. If you want backup power too, NYSERDA's statewide battery incentive covers batteries of 25 kWh or less, with or without solar, outside Long Island.
Pick a quality installer
NYSERDA approves every participating contractor, and some earn a Quality Solar Installer (QSI) designation for beating its quality checks. Ask whether your installer has QSI. Get at least two quotes, and compare the price per watt after the NY-Sun incentive, not before.
How to claim solar incentives in Rochester
- Have a roofer check the roof if it is more than halfway through its life.
- Get quotes from NY-Sun participating contractors. Each must show the NY-Sun incentive in the contract.
- If your household earns under 80% of area median income, submit NYSERDA's Income Eligibility Application for Affordable Solar.
- After install, file the property tax exemption form with your local assessor.
- Claim the 25% New York State credit when you file your state taxes.
Common questions
Is there still a federal solar tax credit?
No. The IRS says the Residential Clean Energy Credit does not apply to systems placed in service after December 31, 2025.
How much is the NY-Sun incentive in Rochester?
It depends on system size and location and changes as funding blocks fill. Your contractor must state it in your contract.
What is the New York State solar credit?
A 25% personal income tax credit for solar panels installed at your own home, per NYSERDA.
Will solar raise my property taxes?
New York's Real Property Tax Exemption keeps the added value off your taxes, but some local governments have opted out. Ask your assessor.
Can renters in Rochester get solar savings?
Yes, through community solar. You subscribe to a solar project and get credits on your RG&E bill.
What to do next
Start with the roof and two quotes. For everything else a Rochester home can claim, see the Rochester rebate hub.
By Sam Menard. Sources, last read October 3, 2026: NYSERDA: Paying for solar, NYSERDA: NY-Sun, IRS: Residential clean energy credit, NYSERDA: Home energy storage. All Rochester rebates → Every RG&E rebate →