"I'll look into it next year."

We hear this all the time, and frankly we get it. Going solar is a large decision that takes some research and a real conversation with your family. 

Here's what most people don't factor in during the decision making process: every month you don't have solar on your roof is a month that you're paying Con Edison full price. Con Edison's prices don't stay flat while you take time to think.

The real argument for going solar isn't just what you save, it's what you're protected from.

The Problem With Con Edison: Their Rate Is a Moving Target. Yours Doesn't Have to Be

Con Edison raises rates by roughly 4% every year which is driven by an aging grid, extreme weather, and surging demand. Whatever they decide to charge, you pay.

A solar lease changes that entirely. You lock in a fixed monthly payment (typically 20% lower than your current bill) and with an escalation waiver, your rate stays for the duration of your lease. Con Ed can raise rates every year. Your solar payment doesn't move.

Below is what that looks like in real numbers, starting from the average NYC monthly bill of $211. Estimates based on NYC's average monthly bill and Con Edison's historical rate increase of ~4% annually. Actual rates may vary.

What Waiting Actually Costs Beyond the Bill

There's another cost to waiting that doesn't show up on a spreadsheet: New York's solar incentives aren't guaranteed to stay as strong as they are right now. 

Today, you can stack:

• NY State income tax credit: 25% of your system cost, up to $5,000
• NYC Solar Property Tax Abatement: up to 7.5% of installation costs per year for four years

Every Month of Waiting Is a Month of Lost Credits

New York's net metering program lets your solar panels earn bill credits for any excess electricity they produce. Think of it as energy that flows back to the grid and offsets your future Con Ed charges. Summer months, when panels produce the most, may even build up enough credits to carry you through winter.

You can only start earning those credits once your system is live. Every month you wait is a month of production and credits that you'll never get back.

A Lease Makes It Simple

If the upfront cost of solar has felt like the barrier, leasing your system might be a good fit. You won’t be buying equipment but you will be trading an unpredictable, rising utility payment for a predictable, lower one starting immediately. Plus, you’ll see a 20% lower monthly bill immediately, can enjoy a fixed payment, and maintenance and repairs are included for the life of the system.

The Bottom Line

Waiting to go solar isn't a neutral decision. It's a choice to keep paying Con Edison o at an ever-increasing rate or protecting yourself from those rate increases. 

Over 15 years, that choice can cost you more than $20,000.

Find out what your specific home could save. Having a little fun with our solar calculator takes two minutes and costs nothing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to go solar now or wait?

For most NYC homeowners, going solar sooner saves more money. Con Edison rates rise approximately 4% per year, so every year you wait means paying more to your utility and losing out on bill credits from net metering. New York's state and city incentives are also subject to change.

How much does waiting to go solar actually cost?

Based on NYC's average electric bill of $211/month growing at 4% annually, staying on Con Edison costs roughly $50,700 over 15 years. A solar lease at a fixed $169/month costs $30,420 over the same period. That’s a difference of over $20,000.

What is a solar lease and how does it work?

With a solar lease, you can pay a fixed monthly rate, typically 20% lower than your current utility bill, and the solar company owns the system, handles maintenance, and covers any repairs. It's the simplest, lowest-barrier way to go solar.

Will solar incentives still be available in a few years?

New York's state tax credit and NYC property tax abatement are available now, but are not guaranteed indefinitely. Acting now locks in the current incentive package before any program changes.

How long does it take to install solar in NYC?

Mpower Solar completes most installations in under 30 days — from initial consultation to final inspection, including permitting and any required roof or electrical prep.