Vermont vs New York Solar Incentives: Which State Gets the Better Deal?
Side-by-side comparison of Vermont and New York solar incentive programs in 2026: state tax credits, net metering rules, exemptions, payback period, and projected 25-year savings.
| Metric | VT · Vermont | NY · New York |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Monthly Bill | $135 | $165 |
| Peak Sun Hours / Day | 4.1 | 4.2 ◆ |
| Avg $/Watt Installed | $3.1 | $3.1 |
| State Tax Credit | None | 25% / $5000 ◆ |
| Net Metering | modified | modified |
| SREC Market | No | No |
| Property Tax Exempt | Yes | Yes |
| Sales Tax Exempt | No | Yes |
| Avg Payback (yrs) | 8.4 | 6.9 ◆ |
| Avg 25-Year Savings | $32,100 | $49,600 ◆ |
State Tax Credit Comparison
Vermont offers no state income tax credit. New York offers a 25% credit (capped at $5,000).
Net Metering Policies
Vermont: modified rate net metering active. New York: modified rate net metering active.
Net metering is often the most economically significant solar policy because it determines how excess production is valued. Retail-rate states (where you receive full retail price for exported energy) have substantially better solar economics than avoided-cost or no-net-metering states.
Average 25-Year Savings
Vermont: $32,100 over 25 years (avg payback 8.4 yrs). New York: $49,600 over 25 years (avg payback 6.9 yrs).
Verdict: Which State Wins on Solar?
New York delivers stronger lifetime solar economics than Vermont due to higher solar irradiance.
Note: state averages mask significant within-state variation. Your specific utility, roof orientation, and household electricity profile drive your actual numbers — use the calculator to model your home directly.