New York is leading the nation in terms of its climate goals and fast development of renewable energy projects. As the state progresses towards its goal of achieving 70% renewably sourced electricity by 2030, New York is generating investment, reducing greenhouse emissions, improving energy efficiency, and lowering energy demand. As a result of these drivers, businesses are getting high returns on investment with New York commercial solar incentives.
Solar development is important to meeting New York’s clean energy targets. Two groups have made serious efforts to further advance solar in the state. One of them is NYSEIA. Over the past two decades, the trade group, New York Solar Energy Industry Association (NYSEIA), has contributed to the conversation on New York solar policy through public comments, advocacy, and research. NYSEIA’s dedication has helped benefit the solar industry and New Yorkers.
Another organization to note is the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). This public-benefit corporation also works to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase jobs in clean energy, improve economic growth, and meet climate goals. Both of these organizations have helped New York transition into a clean energy state.
NY-Sun Program Incentivizes Commercial Solar
To help lower energy costs by increasing solar power adoption, NYSERDA also offers solar incentives that can help businesses and organizations economically transition to cleaner energy sources. The NYSERDA NY-Sun initiative reduces solar costs, facilitates the installation of solar panels, improves the overall energy efficiency of commercial and industrial facilities, and helps reduce carbon emissions. Thanks to this program, organizations across New York are realizing the benefits of investing in commercial solar.
Across New York City and Westchester, NYSERDA’s NY-Sun downstate (ConEd) incentives provide some of the highest levels of assistance for commercial solar systems. Areas outside Albany, Syracuse, and Rochester are also eligible for incentives via the NY-Sun Upstate solar incentives.
NY-Sun relies on a network of qualified contractors and builders to install new grid-connected solar arrays for customers. NYSERDA designates “Quality Solar Installer” partners who meet standards for high quality and consistently provide high-performance systems and customer satisfaction. Working with an approved Commercial NY-Sun Solar Installer helps qualify the vendor’s experience and gain access to the money-saving incentives offered through NYSERDA.
Core Development Group is proud to be an approved Commercial NY-Sun Solar Installer, as well as a member of the New York Solar Energy Industries Association (NYSEIA), advocating for the sustainable growth of solar energy across the state.
Other Commercial Solar Incentives
Solar systems in New York have additional money-saving programs, tax incentives, and credits available to organizations or businesses across the local electricity utilities (ConEd, O&R Utilities, National Grid, NYSEG, Central Hudson, and RGE). Property tax exemptions, sales tax exemptions, and state tax credits are also available for qualified solar system owners.
New York organizations that invest in solar are also eligible to receive federal incentives that help offset the costs of solar and improve return on investments. Taxable businesses and certain tax-exempt entities qualify for the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) when they convert to renewable solar power. With the ITC, a percentage of the cost of going solar can be deducted from federal taxes (e.g., 30%), with the option of directly paying the tax credit to the qualifying business or nonprofit. In 2025, the ITC will be replaced by the Clean Energy Investment Tax Credit.
New York’s solar industry ecosystem works together to help reduce the costs of switching to cleaner energy sources. Incentives can help offset the upfront cost of installing a commercial solar system by over 90%, making solar energy more accessible to New York businesses, municipalities, and non-profits.
As Henry Cortes, CEO and Founder of Core Development Group, stated “Businesses can obtain substantial returns on investment with solar thanks to organizations like NYSERDA and NYSEIA that have transitioned New York into a clean energy state, powered local job growth across New York and increased wages for industry professionals while bolstering New York’s economy. The combination of New York’s growing electricity demand, increasing population, and favorable regulatory environment provides the clean energy industry with strong tailwinds for a historic opportunity to be one of the leading markets in the United States.”
Let us be your Guide to Accessing the Benefits of Clean Energy
Many New York businesses and organizations are starting to realize that investing in solar energy can be a wise business decision. The combination of state NYSERDA and federal incentives, long-term energy savings, and tax avoidance can make solar energy an attractive option. However, energy decisions should be based on a thorough analysis of specific needs, property characteristics, and financial situations. There isn’t a “one size fits all” approach for businesses transitioning to solar. Every company is a little different.
Core Development Group is here to help businesses navigate through the entire solar process from start to finish, from engineering to applying for incentives, construction or installation, and interconnection of the commercial solar system. The process begins with a consultation to evaluate energy usage, electricity behavior, and potential upgrades.
Let Core Development Group give your organization a free consultation and determine whether solar makes sense for your business or organization. See what so many of our customers have learned already: It’s smart to go solar sooner!
