Solar Energy in New York City, New York

Average Solar Resource #19 nationally · #1 in New York Pop. 8,336,817

New York City, New York receives 3.93 kWh/m²/day of solar irradiance and 4.6 peak sun hours daily, representing average solar resources . A typical 5 kW residential solar system in New York City produces approximately 6,745 kWh annually, potentially saving homeowners $1,470 per year on electricity bills. After the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit, a 5 kW system has an estimated payback period of 7.1 years, leaving roughly 18 years of profitable operation within a standard 25-year warranty. For maximum annual output in New York City, panels should be tilted at approximately 41° and oriented true south (180° azimuth).

Solar Resource Summary

3.93
kWh/m²/day
GHI Annual
4.6
hours/day
Peak Sun Hours
3.79
kWh/m²/day
DNI Annual
GHI vs. US national average (4.5 kWh/m²/day) Average
0 7.5 kWh/m²/day

Monthly Solar Data

Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec Annual
GHI (kWh/m²/d) 2.0 2.89 3.91 4.77 5.51 5.85 5.85 5.17 4.3 3.03 2.08 1.75 3.93
DNI (kWh/m²/d) 3.23 3.89 4.09 4.1 4.16 4.23 4.32 4.18 4.1 3.42 2.79 2.97 3.79
Source: NREL. Monthly averages in kWh/m²/day and °C.

Solar Production Estimates for New York City

5 kW Residential
Typical home system
Residential
6,745 kWh/yr
562 kWh/month avg
≈ $1,470/year savings
10 kW Residential
Large home system
Residential
13,490 kWh/yr
1,124 kWh/month avg
≈ $2,940/year savings
50 kW Commercial
Small commercial
Commercial
67,452 kWh/yr
5,621 kWh/month avg
100 kW Commercial
Medium commercial
Commercial
134,904 kWh/yr
11,242 kWh/month avg

Production estimates based on NREL solar resource data, 41° tilt, south-facing orientation, and 80% performance ratio.

Local Solar Conditions in New York City

New York City shows significant seasonal variation in solar output, with peak summer months receiving 5.8 kWh/m²/day compared to 1.8 kWh/m²/day in winter — a 3.3x difference. Battery storage or net metering is particularly valuable here.

Best Tilt Angle
41° (latitude-optimized)
Best Azimuth
180° (true south)
Coordinates
40.7128°N, -74.0059°

Financial Overview — Solar in New York City

Solar is an excellent investment in New York City. With a 7.1-year payback on a 5 kW system and 25-year panel warranties, early adopters in New York City can expect 15+ years of net profit. Estimated annual savings from a 5 kW system: $1,470/year.

Avg. Electricity Rate
$0.218/kWh (NY avg)
Est. Annual Savings (5 kW)
$1,470/year
Est. Payback Period
7.1 years (after 30% ITC)
Federal ITC
30% of system cost
Net Metering
Available
Financial estimates assume a 5 kW system at $3,000/W installed ($15,000 pre-ITC, $10,500 after 30% credit). Actual costs vary by installer and equipment. Consult a local solar installer for firm quotes.

Solar FAQ — New York City, New York

In New York City, New York, a 5 kW residential solar system produces approximately 6,745 kWh of electricity per year. A 10 kW system produces about 13,490 kWh annually. These estimates use 3.9 kWh/m²/day average solar irradiance and an 80% system performance ratio, accounting for real-world losses from wiring, inverter efficiency, and temperature. Actual output will vary based on your specific roof orientation, shading, and equipment.

New York City receives an average Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) of 3.93 kWh/m²/day. This is 0.57 kWh/m²/day below the US national average of 4.5 kWh/m²/day, placing New York City near the national average. GHI measures total solar energy incident on a horizontal surface and is the primary indicator of a location's solar resource quality.

New York City, New York receives an average of 4.6 peak sun hours per day. Peak sun hours represent the equivalent number of hours when solar irradiance equals 1,000 W/m² — the standard condition used to rate solar panel output. This means a 1 kW solar panel array in New York City produces 4.6 kWh on a typical day. Seasonal variation is significant: summer months see peak sun hours 40–60% higher than winter months in most US locations.

New York City is a average location for solar panels, with 3.93 kWh/m²/day solar irradiance — near the national average. It ranks #1 in New York and #19 nationally for solar potential. With an estimated payback period of 7.1 years, solar installations in New York City can be financially attractive, especially given New York's electricity rates.

The optimal tilt angle for solar panels in New York City is approximately 41°, which corresponds to the city's latitude. This angle maximizes annual energy production by ensuring panels receive the most direct sunlight averaged over the year. For maximum winter output, tilt panels at latitude + 15° (56°). For maximum summer output, use latitude − 15° (26°). Fixed south-facing panels at the latitude angle are the standard recommendation for residential systems in New York City.

A 5 kW solar system in New York City can save an estimated $1,470 per year on electricity bills, based on New York City's average electricity rate of $0.218/kWh. Over a 25-year system lifetime, that represents $36,750 in total savings before accounting for electricity rate increases. After the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit, the net system cost of approximately $10,500 for a 5 kW system yields a payback period of 7.1 years.

New York City ranks #1 in New York for solar potential based on annual GHI. This means 0 cities have higher solar irradiance in the state. As a top-ranked solar location, New York City offers particularly strong economics for solar installations.Browse other New York cities on our New York solar data page to compare locations.

For a typical home in New York City using 1,000 kWh/month, a 5 kW solar system producing 562 kWh/month would offset approximately 56% of a typical household's electricity use. Most residential installations in similar climates range from 5 to 12 kW depending on energy consumption, roof size, and budget. Use SolarScope's Site Studio to get a personalized system size recommendation based on your specific address and energy bills.

Based on local solar irradiance and electricity rates, a 5 kW residential solar system in New York City has an estimated payback period of 7.1 years. This calculation assumes a net system cost of $10,500 (after the 30% federal ITC) and annual savings of $1,470. Modern solar panels carry 25-year performance warranties, so systems in New York City would operate profitably for roughly 18 years after payback. Electricity rate increases over time typically reduce the effective payback period.
Learn more: Solar irradiance · Peak sun hours · GHI explained · Net metering · How solar analysis works

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Quick Stats

Annual GHI
3.93 kWh/m²/day
Peak Sun Hours
4.6 h/day
5kW Production
6,745 kWh/yr
Payback (5kW)
7.1 years
Rank in New York
#1
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