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Solar Background
Live Data Analysis

Solar potential in Albany, NY

Don't let the 4.44 sun hours fool you. Albany's solar potential, combined with local incentives, creates a strong investment case. Your area receives an average of 4.44 peak sun hours per day.

Solar Authority Score™
64 Moderate

Nearby Areas

Albany 12209 Albany 12207 Albany 12210 Rensselaer 12144 Albany 12208 Glenmont 12077
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Solar Coverage Map: Albany, NY

6 nearby locations
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Potential Annual Value

$897 /yr
High ROI Expected
Investment Grade: A+

Verified Solar Potential

Production
6,060 kWh per year (Est.)

Payback Period

9.5 Years

Time until system pays for itself

25-Year Lifetime Savings

$13,937

Estimated net profit after system costs

Fed. Tax Credit (30%)

$3,636
Money back in pocket

Available Incentives & Rebates

Residents of Albany may qualify for 5 active programs.

Federal Programs (Apply to Everyone)

Warning: 2026 Cliff
Inflation Reduction Act (Sec. 48E)
Benefit Value Pass-through Savings

If you lease your system (PPA), the solar company claims this credit and passes savings to you. Valid through 2032.

Warning: 2026 Cliff
Federal Residential Clean Energy Credit (ITC)
Benefit Value 30% (Expiring 2025)

30% Tax Credit for systems installed by Dec 31, 2025. CRITICAL: For 2026, this credit is set to expire for homeowner-owned systems unless extended. Leases (Third-Party) still qualify under Sec. 48E.

NY State Incentives

VDER Stack
Net Metering / VDER

Value of Distributed Energy Resources (VDER) stack value credits.

Upfront Rebate
NY-Sun (Megawatt Block)

Upfront rebate based on system size ($/Watt). Varies by region.

$5,000 Credit
Solar Energy System Equipment Credit

25% state tax credit, capped at $5,000.

Efficiency

Code: 12202
GOOD Score

4.44 Peak Sun Hours / day

Live Solar Forecast

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Production Efficiency --%

Fetching satellite data for Albany...

Peak Sun Hours Comparison

Good
Bar chart comparing Albany's 4.44 peak sun hours to the national average of 4.5 hours Albany National Avg State Avg 4.44 hrs 4.50 hrs 4.45 hrs 0h 2h 4h 6h

Albany's solar resource is 1% below the national average, but modern high-efficiency panels can still deliver strong returns.

Solar Physics Simulator

Sun path trajectory for Albany

26.9° Max Elevation
Sun path diagram showing summer vs winter trajectory in Albany East South West Summer (June) 26.9° Altitude Winter (Dec) -4.3° Altitude

In Albany, the sun is 31.2° lower in the sky during winter.
💡 Tip: Panels positioned at a 38.4° tilt will capture maximum energy year-round.

Why Solar in Albany?

Our analysis of Albany, NY reveals strong solar fundamentals: 4.44 peak sun hours daily and estimated savings of $897/year. New York electricity rates are 50% above the national average The solution? Net metering ensures you get full value for excess production

True Cost Calculator

Average System Cost $12,119
🇺🇸 Federal Tax Credit (30%)
- $3,636
🏛️ NY Rebate
- $1,000
Your Net Cost
$7,484
Financial Showdown

If you had $25k... Stock Market vs. Solar

Comparing a 20-year investment in the S&P 500 versus purchasing a solar system in Albany.

S&P 500 (Historical 7%) $60,981 Net Profit
Taxable
Solar Energy System $22,598 Tax-Free Gain
Winner 👑
Savings: $24,098 + Property Value: $16,000

Solar Outperforms by -63%

Unlike stock market gains which are taxed at ~15-20%, the money you save on electricity is 100% tax-free. Plus, solar increases your home's resale value immediately.

The Albany solar market has 6 primary installers. Quality and warranty terms matter more than price in smaller markets.