The state widely recognized as having the most innovative and comprehensive solar incentives is New York. New York combines essential incentives such as sales and property tax exemptions with affordable loan programs, local incentives, and an outstanding net metering policy, making it the top state for solar incentives in 2025. This holistic approach includes:
- Sales tax exemptions on solar equipment.
- Property tax exemptions that protect homeowners from increased property taxes due to solar installations.
- Affordable solar loan programs to reduce upfront costs.
- Strong net metering policies that credit homeowners for excess solar energy sent back to the grid.
- Numerous local programs that further support solar adoption.
Other states also notable for their solar incentive innovation include:
- Illinois: Known for programs like Illinois Solar For All (ILSFA), which subsidizes solar installation costs primarily for low-income residents, alongside the Illinois Shines program. Illinois also offers retail rate net metering and full property tax exemption on solar panels.
- Maryland: Offers grants covering the total cost of solar installation for lower-income customers, along with sales and property tax exemptions. It also supports income through solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs) and net metering.
- Massachusetts: Has an active SREC market alongside property and sales tax exemptions, strong net metering, and additional local incentives.
- New Jersey: Features the Successor Solar Incentive Program (SuSI), which allows solar homeowners to earn additional payments on top of savings from electricity bill reductions.
In summary, New York is considered the most innovative due to its combination of basic, financial, and local incentives, making solar adoption more affordable and accessible statewide, followed by strong programs in Illinois, Maryland, and Massachusetts.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/which-state-has-the-most-innovative-solar-incentives/
