County and City

NY Climate Smart Communities is a state framework run by DEC since 2009 that certifies municipalities at Bronze, Silver, or Gold for climate action. Homeowners benefit indirectly when their town signs on.

NYC Accelerator is the city's free advisory program for energy retrofits. It brokers rebates, financing, and contractors. Two tracks: small buildings (1-9 units) and large buildings. Run by NYC Mayor's Office of Climate & Environmental Justice.

Local Law 97 caps carbon emissions for NYC buildings over 25,000 sq ft. Most 1-3 family homeowners are exempt. Co-op and condo owners in larger buildings may be affected. Penalties: $268 per metric ton over the limit.

NYC PACE financing is long-term clean-energy debt secured by a property tax assessment. Available for commercial and large multifamily in NYC. Not available for 1-4 family residential in NY State. Homeowner readers should use NYSERDA Residential Financing instead.

Solarize is a community-organized, time-limited group purchase model for rooftop solar (and increasingly heat pumps). Vetted vendor, fixed pricing, typically 10-20% below market. Run by municipalities, regional nonprofits, and Clean Energy Hubs across NY.