Power Your Home. Protect It When the Grid Goes Down.
Residential solar and battery backup information for homeowners across the 518 region of Upstate New York. Generate power at home, store energy for later, and plan for greater resilience during utility outages.
No phone number required. Tell us about your property and energy goals online.
Why Homeowners Consider Solar + Battery Storage
Solar can reduce the amount of electricity a home purchases from the grid. Battery storage can shift stored energy to later hours and, when properly designed for backup operation, support selected essential circuits during an outage.
Reduce Grid Purchases
Use electricity generated at your home and reduce dependence on utility-supplied energy. Actual savings vary by home and system.
Store Energy for Later
A battery can store available energy for evening use or other times when your home needs it.
Backup Essential Loads
Properly configured storage can support selected circuits such as refrigeration, lighting, internet or well-pump controls.
Monitor Energy Use
Modern systems can provide visibility into solar production, battery status and household energy consumption.
Residential Solar for Upstate New York
Solar photovoltaic panels convert sunlight into electricity your home can use. Production changes with season, weather, roof orientation, shading and system design.
For many homes, the first step is evaluating electric usage, available roof or ground space, utility rules and the property’s solar exposure.
Battery Backup for Greater Home Resilience
Standard grid-tied solar normally shuts down when utility power fails. A compatible battery, inverter and transfer/islanding configuration can allow selected household loads to operate independently during an outage.
Battery size should be based on what you want to power and for how long. Refrigeration, well pumps, heating controls, internet and lighting are common priorities.
Current New York Solar & Battery Programs
Program availability and eligibility can change. The information below is intended as a starting point and should be confirmed for your project before purchase.
NYS Solar Tax Credit
New York currently provides a residential solar energy system equipment credit equal to 25% of qualified expenditures, up to $5,000. It is nonrefundable and qualifying unused credit may be carried forward.
Affordable Solar
NYSERDA currently lists an Upstate Affordable Solar Residential Incentive totaling $0.80/W for qualifying low-to-moderate-income households.
Residential Battery Incentives
NYSERDA currently offers capacity-based incentives for qualifying grid-connected residential energy storage installed through participating contractors, subject to program requirements and availability.
Federal Credit Update
The federal Residential Clean Energy Credit under IRC §25D is not available for residential expenditures made after December 31, 2025.
Important: Incentives, funding and tax rules can change, and eligibility is not guaranteed. Confirm current requirements with NYSERDA, the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, your utility and a qualified tax professional.
Serving the 518 Region of Upstate New York
518 Off Grid is focused on homeowner leads throughout the Capital Region, Adirondacks and surrounding communities, including Albany, Troy, Schenectady, Saratoga Springs, Ballston Spa, Clifton Park, Glens Falls, Queensbury, Lake George, Hudson Falls, Fort Edward, Greenwich, Cambridge, Hoosick Falls, Amsterdam, Johnstown and Gloversville.
Both rooftop and ground-mount solar opportunities can be evaluated, along with solar-plus-storage and battery-only goals.
Solar + Battery Questions
Will solar power my house during an outage?
Not by itself in most standard grid-tied installations. Backup operation requires compatible equipment and a properly configured storage system.
Does solar work during an Upstate NY winter?
Yes. Panels generate electricity from light, not heat, although seasonal sunlight, snow cover and shading affect production.
How much battery storage do I need?
It depends on the loads you want to support, their power requirements and your desired outage duration.
How much can solar save?
There is no responsible one-size-fits-all number. Results depend on electric use, rates, production, equipment, financing and available incentives.
Get Your Free Solar + Battery Assessment
Tell us about your property and what you want to accomplish. We’ll use the information to help determine whether solar, battery storage, or a combined system may fit your goals.
No phone number is required. Responses are handled by email through info@518offgrid.com.
518 Off Grid — Solar • Battery Backup • Upstate New York
Educational information only. Incentives and eligibility can change. Solar and battery performance varies by property, equipment, utility and system design.