Introduction
Solar panel innovation dates all the way back to 1883, when inventor Charles Fritts created and installed the world’s first “solar panels” on a rooftop in New York City.1 Though his gold-coated selenium cell only achieved an energy conversion rate of 1%-2%, his idea laid the foundation for the solar panel industry today.
Decades later, Bell Laboratories successfully developed the first practical silicon solar cell, reaching 6% efficiency and driving their first major application and public interest.2
By the late 2000s, the cost of solar panels had decreased enough to bring them into the mainstream, accessible to commercial and residential property owners. Sustained efforts and competition over research, creativity, and manufacturing have pushed modern solar panels to efficiencies of 20%-22%.
Today, California, Texas, Florida, and Arizona, lead the solar panel market, generating power with the help of their robust sunshine and state incentives.3 You may think regions with harsh, long winters, like New York, would fall far behind these states.
So, why does New York nationally rank in the top 10 for solar power production? And why would a New Yorker want to invest in solar for their own home?
Minor Maintenance
Upkeeping your appliances can be time-consuming and frustrating. However, unlike your dishwasher — or the old car that’s sitting in your garage — solar panels are essentially set for life once they’re installed.4
In fact, solar panels on the market today last more than 25 years without needing more than an occasional cleaning.
Luckily for New Yorkers, we live in a region with a moderate-to-high precipitation rate, averaging about 40 to 47 inches of rain and snow per year. Similar to how rain washes your window, the majority of solar panel cleaning can be taken care of with enough rain. Not to mention that it’s pretty unlikely you will encounter anyone climbing up to inspect the panels for smudges.
Consequently, for the bulk of their lifespan, solar panels take care of themselves.
Money Matters
In an economy expanding at a sluggish pace compared to inflation, we know how important affordability is.
In New York, homeowners see a return on investment for their solar in less than a decade.5 Whether you finance your system or pay out of pocket, the money you save on electricity bills will allow you to easily break even with the funds you invested into your solar energy system. Additionally, with the sun as your freely accessible resource, producing your own energy will save you from rising utility rates.6
Not only will you save money with the energy generated through the solar panels themselves, New York State offers incentives to reduce your costs even further. For instance, during the year your solar panel system is first installed, the New York State Solar Tax Credit gets credited to your state income tax liability.7 The state tax credit covers 25% of your installation expenses — up to $5,000 — that gets refunded in New York income taxes per installation.
The incentives get even better if you live in New York City. Anyone who installs solar on their building within the Five Boroughs qualifies for the New York City Property Tax Abatement.8 It’s no secret that property taxes in New York City are through the roof, with the typical owner paying over $10,000 a year.9 Your transition to solar energy will qualify you for a four year reduction in property taxes at a total value of 30% of your solar installation costs, delivered at 7.5% each year.
In addition to the savings and available incentives, solar panels increase the resale value of your home.10 So, if you plan to sell your property in the future, the investment you put towards solar will pay off. On average, homes with solar panels tend to sell for 4% more than properties without them.11
With these three major areas of cost savings, solar energy is widely considered the most cost efficient, long-term energy option.
Mother Nature Will Thank You
The recent artificial intelligence (AI) and data center craze has come to prove how important it is to take steps towards preserving our natural resources. The use of AI requires massive amounts of energy, which is currently drawn from utility companies powered by fossil fuels. This puts unprecedented levels of stress on our electric utility infrastructure, and increases the volume of greenhouse gas emissions being released everyday.
That being said, it is important to note the major role renewable energy plays in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.12 Solar energy works hard to replace electricity powered by fossil fuels like coal and natural gas, with zero-emissions power.
It’s essential to do your part in caring for our planet, and installing solar panels is the best place to start.
Still Not Convinced?
A Word From Our Mayor
If saving time, money, and the environment is not enough for you, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani heavily encourages the use of solar energy. Throughout the first seven months of his administration, Mamdani has made great strides towards a sustainable future for New York.
As part of his recently released 2026 New York City Housing Authority Sustainability Agenda, Mamdani emphasizes that he is “acting with urgency to cut emissions, lower costs and deliver a greener New York” alongside the city government.13 According to the agenda, his goals in the next five years include promoting the use of solar energy.
If our local government is moving toward a solar-powered future, it is time for you to take a step forward too.
Don’t get left behind when the future is so bright.
Ready to Go Solar?
Get in touch: https://solanta.com/#build-with-us-form
Sources
- https://www.smithsonianmag.com/sponsored/brief-history-solar-panels-180972006/
- https://seia.org/blog/solar-century-landmark-moments-history-solar-energy/
- https://www.chooseenergy.com/solar-energy/solar-energy-production-by-state/
- https://www.energysage.com/solar/solar-panel-maintenance-overview/
- https://poweroutage.us/solar/ny
- https://www.nyc.gov/content/climate/pages/solar-and-storage
- https://www.ecowatch.com/solar/worth-it/ny
- https://www.nyc.gov/site/finance/property/landlords-solar-roof.page
- https://www.cbsnews.com/news/where-property-tax-is-highest-mamdani-new-york-city/
- https://www.energy.gov/cmei/systems/articles/solar-homes-sell-premium
- https://www.ecowatch.com/solar/solar-panels-increase-home-value
- https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/NY-Sun
- https://www.nyc.gov/mayors-office/news/2026/04/on-earth-day–mamdani-administration-releases-nycha-sustainabili
