Value Stack Calculator
NYSERDA developed the Value Stack Calculator to help contractors better estimate compensation for specific solar and energy storage projects. The calculator combines the wholesale price of energy with the distinct elements of distributed energy resources (DERs) that benefit the grid: the avoided carbon emissions, the cost savings to customers and utilities, and other savings from avoiding expensive capital investments.
We periodically update the calculator—please revisit this page regularly to ensure you are using the most recent version. To download the calculator, you will need a recent version of Microsoft Excel (older and web-based versions of Excel may have performance issues). The password to unlock the file is nysun.
Phase Two Version
Use the Phase Two Calculator for projects that qualified after July 26, 2018. Projects qualify when they make their 25% upgrade payment to the utility. If no utility upgrade costs are required, projects qualify when the interconnection agreement is fully executed.
Revision 3.4 corrects an error with the 2025 ICAP Capacity 1 values for ConEdison (New York City) and ConEdison (Westchester).
Revision 3.3 (02/04/2026) of the Value Stack Calculator includes the following changes:
- Added historical 2025 LBMP data
- Added historical 2025 ICAP Rate data
- Updated DRV and LSRV rates for LIPA to reflect newly increased values
- Updated LSRV hours based on 2025 peaking events
- Updated solar generation profiles
- Updated the dollar year in the model to 2026
- For grid-charged energy storage, updated retail electric rate information and links, and added a toggle buyback exemption
Phase One Version
Use the Phase One Value Stack Calculator for older projects that qualified on or before July 26, 2018. Projects qualify when they make their 25% upgrade payment to the utility. If no utility upgrade costs are required, projects qualify when the interconnection agreement is fully executed.
Revision 3.3 (02/06/2026) of the Phase One Value Stack Calculator contains the revisions indicated above, with the exception of the energy storage items.
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Never miss an update to the calculator. Sign up to receive email notifications each time a new version is available.
If you have questions about the Value Stack Calculator, email us at [email protected].
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