Solar for NYC and Long Island homes: what to check first
Updated October 24, 2026
In short
Solar works best on a sound, unshaded roof that won't need replacing for many years. A good proposal is based on your own roof and electric bills, includes permits and utility interconnection, and states its assumptions.
Start with the roof
Panels usually stay up for 25 years or more. If your roof is near the end of its life, replacing it first is often cheaper than removing and reinstalling the panels later.
What decides the size
- Usable roof area after fire code setbacks and pathways
- Shade from trees and nearby buildings
- Roof direction and pitch
- How much electricity you use, from 12 months of bills
- Whether your electrical panel can take the connection
Permits and the utility
Solar needs building and electrical permits, and the utility has to approve the connection before the system is turned on. In NYC the fire code requires clear access paths on the roof, which limits where panels can go.
Expect several weeks to a few months from contract to turn-on, mostly for approvals.
Incentives
The federal residential solar tax credit ended for systems paid for after December 31, 2025. New York State still offers a solar tax credit and NY-Sun incentives, and NYC has a property tax abatement for solar. Rules change, so ask for a proposal that lists each incentive it counts on, and confirm tax questions with your own tax advisor.
Questions
Can I put solar on a flat roof in the city?
Often yes. Flat roofs use tilted racks, and the layout has to leave the fire code access paths clear.
What does EPC mean?
Engineering, procurement and construction: one contractor handles the design, buys the equipment and builds the system.
General information, not legal or engineering advice. Rules change and every building is different. Check with the Department of Buildings, your town or your building management.