Great question! These two programs are two names for the same tax credit.

The confusion in the name is probably due to the term "PV". A photovoltaic (PV) system is a type of solar system used to create electricity by harnessing the sun’s energy. Another type of solar energy includes solar thermal systems, which are used to heat water, but cannot create electricity for the grid. Both photovoltaic and solar thermal systems are eligible for New York’s solar and fuel cell tax credit.

Besides the New York State tax credit, you've got a couple of other rebates you should be using for a solar panel system.

There's the federal renewable energy tax credit, that'll give you 30% of your solar system costs as a federal income tax credit.

And if you're a customer of the Long Island Power Authority, you may also be eligible for a 50 percent system rebate of up to $27,500. To learn more check out this EnergySavvy page.

Good luck with your project!