Installing solar panels on historic homes requires careful planning to align with preservation guidelines. In cities like New York, many homes are part of designated historic districts where changes must be subtle and non-invasive. Our team evaluates your property’s structure, roof materials, and visibility to the public before designing a system that respects these rules.
We often position panels on sections of the roof that are not visible from the street, such as the rear or behind chimneys. For landmark homes with flat roofs, we use ballasted systems that avoid roof penetrations, preserving the original materials.
For historic homes with sloped roofs, our designs incorporate low-profile mounting systems and panel colors that blend with the roof. The goal is to preserve the aesthetic of your home while making it more sustainable. With Solar Pro, you can install solar panels on your historic home without compromising its charm.
new york state solar
income tax credit
for every kilowatt (kW) of
solar power installed
back on installations between 2022 and 2032
5 Star Rating
Yes, we specialize in designing solar systems that comply with preservation standards while integrating seamlessly with historic architecture.
No, we use systems that avoid penetrating your roof where possible, like ballasted mounts, which protect the surface and ensure long-lasting stability.
Historic homes have specific guidelines for solar installation, but Solar Pro works within these parameters to create systems that meet both energy needs and preservation requirements.
Yes! There are many:
1. New York State Historic Homeownership Rehabilitation Tax Credit
This program provides a state income tax credit equal to 20% of qualified rehabilitation costs for owner-occupied historic homes, up to $25,000 per taxpayer per year. To qualify the home must be owner-occupied and listed on the State or National Register of Historic Places (or sit in a registered historic district), and it must be in a census tract at or below 100% of the state family median income. Total work must exceed $5,000 with at least 5% spent on the exterior, and the panels must not be visible from the street. That last condition is the one solar actually turns on, and it is why we design to the rear roof.
2. New York State Solar Equipment Tax Credit
Homeowners can claim a tax credit equal to 25% of the total installed cost of a solar panel system, up to $5,000. This credit applies to both purchased and leased systems and can be combined with $0-down lease & prepaid-lease options for additional savings.
3. NY-Sun Incentive Program
Administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), this program offers incentives and financing options to reduce the cost of installing solar panels. Incentives are provided directly to participating contractors, who pass the savings on to homeowners.
4. New York City Solar Property Tax Abatement
For properties within New York City, this program provides a property tax abatement of 7.5% per year for four years, totaling 30% of the solar installation cost. This abatement is applied after other incentives and is capped at $62,500 per year or $250,000 total.
Make the smart choice for your wallet and the environment by switching to solar energy. Contact us now to learn about our solar solutions.
Home