The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority has launched its Affordable Solar program intended to increase access to solar for low- to moderate-income homeowners.
Affordable Solar doubles the applicable incentives for each solar project installed at the home of a low- to moderate-income resident. The double incentives are available for residential solar projects at households earning less than 80% of the area or state median income.
Residential incentives currently range from $0.20/W to $0.60/W, depending on the area. Under the program, the range will increase to $0.40/W to $1.20/W.
The $13 million in initial funding for the Affordable Solar incentives is expected to support between 2,500 and 4,500 new residential projects for low- to moderate-income households. Eligibility requirements for the increased incentives include household income verification and completion of an electricity energy-efficiency assessment at the home. If the assessment identifies a need for more efficient lighting or hot water heating, those updates will be implemented prior to the solar installation to decrease electricity consumption.
