Effective February 2, 2009, NYSERDA will be changing the incentives for the PV Incentive Program (PON 1050). The following incentive structure will be in effect

Residential – 1.75 per watt up to a maximum of 5 kW per site/meter, and not to exceed 40% of the total installed system costs.                                           Commercial – $1.75 per watt up to a maximum of 50 kW per site/meter, and not to exceed 50% of the total installed system costs.                                                           Not-For-Profit – $1.75 per watt up to a ot to exceed 50% of the total installed system costs up to the first 2                 New York State ENERGY STAR® Labeled Homes and Building Integrated PV systems are eligible for a $.50 per watt adder to these above incentives.5 k        

Your State also provides an income tax credit for residential, net-metered photovoltaic systems. This amounts to roughly $1,500 per kilowatt of installed solar capacity, up to a maximum of $5,000.The Federal Tax Credit cap of $2,000 has now been removed, effective January 1, 2009, for residential photovoltaic systems. Residential photovoltaic systems are now entitled to the same Federal Tax Credit of 30% that commercial solar electric installations may claim and the tax credit availability has been extended for an additional 8 years.

Your State recognizes the many benefits of Solar Electric Systems and has implemented several incentive programs to reduce the barriers to installing these systems. This includes the Net Metering Law, newly revised Tax Credits and NYSERDA Rebates. Together, their incentives can total 40%of the system price.

Net MeteringThe "Solar Choice Act of 1997" provides for net metering of residential photovoltaic systems. This law was a crucial starting point, giving residential electric customers the right to "sell back" excess solar electricity they produce. Kernel of the Law: Residential customers with 10 kW or smaller solar electric systems are now entitled to TURN THEIR ELECTRIC METERS BACKWARDS when their solar systems are generating more electricity than is being consumed. The customers pay for only the NET amount of electricity they buy from the utility. That is electricity used minus electricity generated equals electricity you are billed for. You end up being PAID when you generate excess electricity. The utility company purchases your excess electricity .