Syracuse, NY Solar Panels
Solar Power in Syracuse
Syracuse homeowners are feeling the pressure of rising energy costs — and for good reason. New York electricity prices have increased 33% from 2020 to 2024, making it one of the most expensive states in the nation for residential power. For many households, solar panels have become a practical response to that reality.
This guide covers what solar installation looks like in Syracuse — from local climate considerations to how the process works — drawing on Palmetto’s experience as a leading solar installer across New York.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Syracuse, NY?
Using real installation data from Syracuse and surrounding communities — including Fayetteville, Manlius, Cicero, and Liverpool — this calculator gives you an honest, localized estimate of what solar installation could cost for your home.
System
- No upfront investment
- Palmetto handles all maintenance
- 90% Production Guarantee
- Comprehensive protection program included
Key Takeaways
- New York electricity rates have risen 25% since 2021 — making solar one of the most practical ways for Syracuse homeowners to protect against future rate increases.
- Syracuse homeowners can save an average of ~$90,000 over 25 years with solar, with a typical payback period of just 7–8 years.
- New York’s 25% state solar tax credit (up to $5,000) helps reduce the upfront cost of going solar in Syracuse — whether you buy or lease.
Syracuse Electricity Prices
Syracuse homeowners are navigating some of the highest electricity rates in the country — and solar panel installation is one way to respond.
New York electricity rates rose from 19.5 cents per kWh in 2021 to 24.4 cents per kWh in 2024 — a 25% increase in just three years, well above the national average of 16.5 cents per kWh.
For many Syracuse homeowners, solar panels offer a way to generate their own electricity and reduce dependence on a grid where rates have consistently trended upward.
Solar systems are typically designed to last 25 years or more. Over that time, locking in a portion of your energy supply can provide meaningful insulation against future rate increases in Central New York.
Price of Energy: New York vs National Average
Syracuse Area Utility Providers
In Syracuse, NY, most residents get their electricity through National Grid. Based on 2023 data — the most recent available — National Grid’s rate averaged 17.0¢ per kWh, slightly above the 2023 national average of 16.0¢ per kWh.
While National Grid’s rate is close to the national average, it sits well below New York’s 2023 state average of 22.20¢ per kWh — reflecting the state’s aging grid infrastructure and higher transmission and delivery costs statewide.
For Syracuse homeowners exploring solar panel installation, even modest electricity rates matter over time. Locking in a predictable energy cost with solar can offer long-term stability as utility rates continue to fluctuate year over year.
Syracuse Utilities Electricity Rates
New York Solar Incentives
Syracuse homeowners can take advantage of solar incentives in New York that help reduce the upfront and long-term cost of going solar.
The primary incentive available to Syracuse residents is the New York State Solar Energy System Equipment Credit (SESEC), which offers a 25% state income tax credit on qualified solar equipment costs, up to $5,000.
Note that recent federal legislation has eliminated the residential solar tax credit. For homeowners who lease through Palmetto’s LightReach program, Palmetto handles the commercial tax credit and passes savings through as lower monthly payments.
| Incentive | Type | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York State Solar Energy System Equipment Credit (SESEC) | Tax Credit | New York State offers a personal income tax credit equal to 25% of qualified solar energy system equipment costs, up to a maximum of $5,000. | Learn More |
The New York State Solar Energy System Equipment Credit (SESEC) allows homeowners to claim a state income tax credit equal to 25% of the cost of their solar energy system, up to a maximum credit of $5,000. This credit directly reduces the amount of state income tax you owe — dollar for dollar — making it one of the most valuable solar incentives available to residents of Syracuse in 2026.
One of the standout features of this credit is its broad eligibility: it applies whether you purchase your solar system outright or enter into a qualifying solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA) lasting at least 10 years. If you lease, the credit equals 25% of the lease payments made during the year. The credit applies to systems installed at your primary New York State residence.
If your state tax liability is less than the full credit amount in the year of installation, you can carry forward any unused portion for up to five additional tax years. To claim the credit, file Form IT-255 with your New York State tax return. Be sure to work with a NYSERDA-approved installer and keep all documentation of your system costs.
Ready to start saving with solar?
Speak with a Palmetto solar expert to find out exactly how much you can save with New York incentives.
Get a Free QuoteSyracuse Solar Irradiance
Solar panel production varies throughout the year based on daylight hours, weather patterns, and sun intensity. Understanding how seasons affect your solar system helps set realistic expectations for your investment.
Syracuse gets snowy winters and cloudy days, but its bright summers and cool temperatures actually boost solar efficiency. Like Boston or Seattle, the right system makes Syracuse a solid solar city.
Solar Production in Syracuse by Month
What Can Your Solar System Power?
Summer Production (July)
In July, your 10 kW system could power:
- 3.6 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Run central AC for 18 hours AND power all other appliances
- or Fully charge 5.4 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Winter Production (December)
In December, your 10 kW system could power:
- 2 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Keep your home heating system running for 15 hours
- or Fully charge 3 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Annual Production
Over a year, your 10 kW system could:
- Offset 10 tons of carbon dioxide emissions
- or Equal the environmental benefit of planting 175 trees
- or Save approximately $4,234 in electricity costs
Want to know exactly how much solar can power your home?
Get a personalized solar analysis based on your actual home, energy usage, and roof characteristics.
Get My Custom EstimateSolar Panel Systems in Syracuse
We’ve mapped thousands of solar installations across the U.S. — and Syracuse is no exception. Explore the heatmap below to see where your neighbors in communities across the Syracuse area have already made the switch to solar!
Leasing Solar Panels
If you’re not ready to purchase solar panels outright, Palmetto offers a solar lease through its LightReach program — available to National Grid customers in Syracuse. With a lease, Palmetto owns and maintains the system while you pay a fixed monthly amount based on your system’s estimated production. For a medium-sized Syracuse home, that’s as low as $92/month — with no large upfront cost.
Compared to a cash purchase, leasing removes the burden of maintenance, repairs, and system monitoring — Palmetto handles all of that. You also avoid the challenge of recouping a large upfront investment. With a lease, your savings begin as soon as your panels go live. To understand how a lease compares to buying outright, this guide breaks down the key differences.
It’s worth noting that in New York, only a solar lease is available through Palmetto — not a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). With a PPA, you’d pay per kilowatt-hour generated rather than a fixed monthly rate. Since only the lease option is offered here, Syracuse homeowners get the simplicity of a predictable monthly payment regardless of seasonal production swings.
Go solar without the investment
With LightReach, there are no investment costs to recoup, loan payments to manage, or maintenance needs to take on. As soon as your panels are active, your solar savings are too!
Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Yes, solar makes sense for many Syracuse homeowners. New York electricity rates have risen 25% since 2021, and the average Syracuse home can save around $90,000 over 25 years with solar. New York’s 25% state tax credit (up to $5,000) helps reduce upfront costs further.
If upfront cost is a concern, Palmetto’s LightReach solar lease removes that barrier entirely — homeowners can go solar with no money down and start saving from day one, with payments as low as $92/month.
Yes, Syracuse homeowners have access to net metering through National Grid, the primary utility serving the area. National Grid offers 1:1 net metering, meaning the excess electricity your solar panels send to the grid is credited at the same rate you’d pay for electricity — applied directly against your monthly consumption.
Unused credits roll over month to month and year to year for up to 20 years. Note that National Grid charges a monthly Contribution Benefits Charge (CBC) of $1.45/kW-DC for solar customers. Credits do not result in a cash payout — they remain as bill credits only.
Yes, solar panels can increase your home’s value in Syracuse. According to a Zillow study, homes with solar panels sell for approximately 4.1% more than comparable homes without them. For a $250,000 home in the Syracuse area, that could mean an additional $10,000 in resale value.
This added value reflects buyer demand for homes with lower ongoing energy costs — particularly relevant in New York, where electricity rates have risen 25% since 2021. Note that owned solar systems typically add more value than leased systems, as the benefit transfers fully to the new owner.
With Palmetto’s LightReach lease, Syracuse homeowners can go solar for as low as $92/month with no upfront cost — Palmetto owns and maintains the system while you save from day one.
For those considering a cash purchase, a typical 8.5 kW system runs around $20,448 after New York’s 25% state tax credit (up to $5,000). Note that the federal 30% residential tax credit is no longer available following the Big Beautiful Bill. Use the calculator above for a personalized estimate.
For many Syracuse homeowners, solar is worth it — especially with rising New York electricity rates. With Palmetto’s LightReach lease, there’s no upfront cost required. Your monthly lease payment is typically less than your current electric bill, meaning most homeowners start saving from day one.
For a medium-sized Syracuse home, LightReach payments start at just $92/month. Over 25 years, the average Syracuse homeowner can save around $90,000 — making solar a financially sound decision regardless of how you go solar.
We believe Palmetto is one of the best options for Syracuse homeowners considering solar. As a national company with a strong local install network, we’ve served 20,000+ customers across 31 states with an approval rating over 85%.
What sets us apart is our flexible financing — including our LightReach lease starting at just $92/month with no upfront cost. We handle installation, maintenance, and monitoring, so Syracuse homeowners can go solar with confidence and start saving from day one.
With Palmetto’s LightReach lease, Syracuse homeowners pay one simple monthly payment that covers the solar panel system, installation, monitoring, maintenance, and a 90% Production Guarantee — with no upfront cost. For a typical 8.50 kW system in Syracuse, that’s approximately $92/month. Because Palmetto owns the system, it claims the commercial solar tax credit and passes those savings to you through lower monthly payments.
Most Syracuse homeowners find their lease payment is less than their current electricity bill, meaning savings start from day one. New York’s production ratio of 1,043 kWh/kW/year makes leasing a practical, low-risk way to go solar in Central New York.