Historic Homes Go Green: NY Tax Credit Makes Solar Affordable in These Districts

Sponsored By Brooklyn SolarWorks

Brooklyn SolarWorks is a Gowanus-based solar design and installation firm serving New York City's homes and businesses.

Created By Brownstoner

On the fence about going solar and you live in a historic neighborhood?

There’s a credit for that — New York State’s Historic Homeownership Rehabilitation Tax Credit (HTC) is another tool among many that promotes sustainable living. For homeowners in certain qualifying neighborhoods, the tax benefits are significant — covering nearly 100 percent of the cost of solar adoption, when combined with other federal, state and city incentives.

Key features of the HTC program include:

• A 20 percent tax credit on eligible rehabilitation expenses, including solar panel installation.
• Aims to revitalize neighborhoods, preserve architectural heritage, and foster economic development.
• Makes clean energy more accessible in historic, lower-income areas.

Eligible expenses for the tax credit include:

• Chimney repairs
• Window and door replacements
• Electrical wiring and lighting fixture upgrades
• Roof repairs (for the main house only)
• Installation of solar panels (if not visible from public areas)

To qualify for the HTC, homeowners must meet specific criteria:

• The property must be on the State or National Register of Historic Places or within a registered historic district.
• Your home must be located in a qualifying census tract.
• The home must be owner occupied, including condos and co-ops.

There are some neighborhoods in the city that have greater amounts of eligible property. If you live in one of these neighborhoods, you may qualify:

Brooklyn:

Sunset Park
Prospect Lefferts Gardens
Crown Heights
Flatbush

Queens:

Ridgewood
Sunnyside
Jackson Heights

Manhattan:

Harlem

Here’s a couple caveats: Because the tax credit is part of the state’s budget, discussions about its expiration or extension are ongoing.

Luckily, in 2023, the New York State HTC was extended for five more years.

Qualifying census tracts are subject to change over time and can be a difference of only a few blocks. Over the years, some neighborhoods in New York City gain eligibility while others lose it. Take advantage while you can.

Brooklyn SolarWorks provides 24/7 real-time monitoring and a 30-year total system warranty. Visit Brooklyn SolarWorks online to find out more or get in touch.

[Photos via Brooklyn SolarWorks]