NOTE: On August 2015, NYSERDA increased the incentive levels for technologies offered under the Renewable Heat NY program. In general, new incentives fund up to 45% of the total project cost, which is a significant increase from previous incentive cap of 25% of the total cost for most projects. See the summary below for changes in the program. 

Renewable Heat NY program offers rebates to install high-efficiency, low-emission wood heating system for residential and commercial customers in New York. The program is administered by New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and is funded through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) funds. Total of $27 million is available for the 2015 fiscal year, which is dispensed on a first-come, first-serve basis until the funds are exhausted.

Eligibility

The incentive is only available for New York State homeowner or business owner without existing natural gas service. The heating system must be installed by a participating installer to qualify for the incentive. List of qualifying installers and information to register as an installer is available at the program website.

Program Description

Interested participants can contact a qualified installer, who will provide a quote for the system and will submit necessary paperwork for rebate. The rebates are paid out directly to the contractors after approval by NYSERDA.  Incentive amount depends on the sector and the heating systems. The new heating equipment has to be certified by the program or has to meet certain system performance standards to qualify for the program. Additional incentives are available for low income households with income less than 80% of the county median.

In addition to rebates, the program also offers low interest loans to fund the projects.