If you've been thinking about going solar but keep pushing it to "someday," here's the honest truth: summer is the best time to act and 2026 is a particularly good year to do it.

There are real, practical reasons why New York homeowners who go solar in summer come out ahead. Here's the full picture.

1. Your Energy Bills Are at Their Highest Right Now

Air conditioning is expensive. New York summers are getting hotter, and Con Edison's rates keep climbing about 4% every year. For most NYC homeowners, June through September represent the most expensive stretch of the entire year for electricity.

That means going solar in summer delivers immediate, noticeable savings at exactly the moment your bill hurts the most. You're not waiting until February to see the difference. There’s a chance you feel the difference during the first or second month your system is live.

See how Con Edison rates have changed and where they're headed in our 2026 guide.

2. Summer has the Most Sun Hours, Which Means More Energy and More Credits

New York City averages about 1,200 sun hours per year and a big chunk of those are concentrated in the summer months. Longer days mean your panels are generating electricity for more hours each day.

Here's what makes that especially useful: thanks to New York's net metering program, any excess electricity your system produces gets credited back to your Con Edison account. Summer overproduction builds up a bank of credits that offsets your bills in the darker winter months when your panels produce less.

In other words, a summer install doesn't just save you money now, it sets you up to save more during the winter, too.

3. Solar Protects You From Rising Con Edison Costs During Summer Months

Con Edison officially designates June through September as their "summer season," which comes with higher delivery and supply rates. If you're paying close attention to your bill, you've probably noticed it.

Solar doesn't eliminate your Con Ed connection, but it dramatically reduces how much of their electricity you actually need to buy. The more your panels produce — and summer is peak production season — the less exposure you have to whatever Con Ed decides to charge.

Check out the cost comparison: solar vs. Con Edison in 2026.

4. Start Now, Be Set Up Before Winter

This one's practical. Mpower Solar completes most installations in under 30 days from consultation to final inspection. If you get started this summer, your system is fully live before the holidays.

That matters for a few reasons. Winter brings shorter days and less production, so you want your system earning credits before then. It also means you've claimed a season of generation before the end of the year, which can matter for tax purposes.

5. New York's Solar Incentives are Strong and Worth Acting On

New York is one of the best states in the country for solar incentives right now. Homeowners can stack:

NY State income tax credit: 25%, up to $5,000

NYC Solar Property Tax Abatement: up to 7.5% of installation costs per year for four years

These incentives aren't going away tomorrow, but they're not guaranteed forever either. The homeowners who act now lock in the full stack.

Explore all of New York's current solar incentives here.

6. Installer Schedules Fill Up

There's a pattern we see every year: homeowners who start thinking about solar in October end up scheduling installs in November or December, when daylight is scarce and they've missed an entire summer of savings. The homeowners who act in summer get their systems live while the sun is still high and the days are long.

Mpower Solar completes most installations within 30 days, but that window fills. If you're serious about going solar this year, summer is when to make moves.

The Bottom Line

Summer 2026 is genuinely one of the better windows to go solar in New York due to high bills, long sun hours, strong incentives, and a 30-day install timeline that can have you generating clean energy before August is over.

If you want to see what your specific home could save, our Solar Savings Calculator takes about two minutes and gives you a real estimate. No obligation, no pressure.

Curious how other New York homeowners made the decision? Browse real customer stories from Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is summer really the best time to install solar panels?

For most homeowners, yes, especially in New York City. Summer combines peak sun hours, the highest energy bills of the year, and enough lead time to bank net metering credits before winter. Installing in summer also means your system is live before the end of the year, which maximizes your tax credit eligibility.

Do solar panels work better in summer?

They produce more electricity in summer because of longer days and more direct sunlight. However, panels actually run most efficiently in cooler temperatures — so spring and fall can have excellent efficiency too. Summer wins overall because of the sheer number of sun hours.

What happens to excess solar energy in summer?

Under New York's net metering rules, excess electricity that your system produces gets credited back to your Con Edison account. A productive summer can bank enough credits to significantly offset your winter bills when production is lower.

How long does a solar installation take in NYC?

Mpower Solar completes most installations in under 30 days, from initial consultation to final inspection. Learn more about the installation timeline here.

What solar incentives are available in New York in 2026?

New York homeowners can currently claim a NY State income tax credit of 25% (up to $5,000), and the NYC Solar Property Tax Abatement. See our full incentives guide for more information.