2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Butler, NJ - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Butler.
You'll learn about:
- Local & State Solar Incentives
- Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2023 and beyond)
- Ways to optimize your solar investment
Solar installers are experts in maximizing your solar tax credits and rebates.
Get a free quote from one of our trusted Butler solar installers to see how much you can save.
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Butler?
Solar Energy Sales Tax Exemption
Successor Solar Incentive (SuSI) Program
Small Net-Metered Non-Residential located on Rooftop, Carport, Canopy and Floating Solar
Projects smaller than 1 MW (dc): $100/SREC-II, $120 for public entities
Projects 1 MW to 5 MW (dc): $90/SREC-II, $110 for public entities
Net Metered Non-Residential Ground Mount
Projects smaller than 1 MW (dc): $85/SREC-II, $105 for public entities
Projects 1 MW to 5 MW (dc): $80/SREC-II, $100 for public entities
Community Solar LMI: $90/SREC-II
Community Solar Non-LMI: $70/SREC-II
Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems
Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) Registration Program
In June 2016, SREC traded at an average price of $229.90.
NJ Clean Energy- Residential New Construction Program
Single family homes: Ranges from $1,125 to - 24,250
Multi-single homes: Ranges from $1,125 to $18,188
Multifamily homes: Ranges from $625-$12,125
Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program
Single family : $2,000 to $4,000
Multi-family : $500-$1,500 per unit
Rebates for single family and multi-family should not exceed 50% of the cost of the measures used to calculate total estimated savings (TES)
See table below for details
Loans
Single-family: $5,000 (Tier II) or $10,000 (Tier III) 4.99% interest loans up to $15,000 (where utility 0% financing is unavailable)
COOLAdvantage Program
Ductless Mini Split A/C or Heat Pump: $500
Air Source Heat Pump: $300 (Tier 1), $500(Tier 2)
Geothermal Heat Pump: $500
NJ Clean Energy- WARMAdvantage Program (Electric and Gas)
Solar Hot Water Heater: $1,200
Heat Pump Water Heater: $500
Geothermal Heat Pump: $500
Air-Source or Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump: $300- $500
Residential Gas Customers (including propane):
Gas Furnace: $250- $500
Gas Boiler: $300
Gas Water Heater: $300
Solar Hot Water Heater: $1,200
Oil Heating Customers:
Oil Furnace: $250
Oil Boiler: $300
Combination Rebate
Boiler and Water Heater Combination Rebate: $700
Furnace and Water Heater Combination Rebate: $700- $950
New Jersey Renewable Energy Incentive Program (Sustainable Biopower)
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
Solar incentives are designed to encourage people to switch to renewable energy by providing incentives meant to lower the financial burden of solar panel installation and use. You may qualify for various kinds of incentives, including cash back, discounts or credit towards your monthly utility bill, depending on your situation. Certain incentives come from your specific utility company, county or municipality, some from the state of New Jersey and others from the federal government. Some broad categories of solar incentives include:
- Net Metering: Be sure to talk with your Butler utility company about signing a net metering contract. This will allow you to receive credit towards your utility bill every month for the value of excess energy generated by your solar panels. You could receive either a dollar-for-dollar credit or a percentage of the value.
- Rebates: Solar rebates might be offered by your state or county, or by your local utility company. These rebates are essentially cash back that is applied after your purchase of a solar system and before tax credits are calculated.
- Tax Credits: These credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in the amount of tax that you owe the government.
- Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions may come in two forms. First, there is sales tax exemption, which is applied when you purchase solar panels. The second is property tax exemption, which allows you to exclude the value added by your solar system when paying property tax on your house.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs and other similar performance-based incentives are typically handled at the state level. Once your solar system meets a certain threshold (generally a small amount of energy production), you can receive SRECs that can then be sold to your utility company or other buyers. The money you make from the sale is generally considered part of your taxable income.
Federal Solar Incentives
When someone says "solar incentives," you probably think of federal incentives first. One of the incentives many people are probably familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The ITC is a tax credit for a specified percentage of the cost of your solar system.
The ITC was originally for 30% of the cost of solar panel installation, although it has fluctuated slightly over the last few years between 26-30%. The installation date of your solar system will determine what percentage you qualify for. The total installation cost includes the panels themselves as well as the cost of equipment, labor and accessories. There is no maximum claim amount. The ITC applies to solar panels installed after January 1, 2006 on your primary or secondary residence. The residence must be in the United States and owned by you.
Wondering how the ITC applies to your specific situation? Reach out to your local Butler solar panel installer to get more information.
In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act laid out new provisions for the ITC, now called the Clean Energy Credit. For solar systems installed between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2032, homeowners can apply for a credit for 30% of the total cost. After 2033, the percentage will decrease annually until the Clean Energy Credit ends in 2035. Starting in 2023, it will also be easier to qualify for credits for energy storage systems under the new laws.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. Your local Butler solar panel installation experts can answer your questions and explain how the new Clean Energy Credit may apply to you.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Tax credits, rebates and more can be claimed at multiple levels. Along with federal solar incentives, there are often state and local ones, too. These incentives might be distributed by the New Jersey government, or by your county or municipality. Some are available for a limited time, while others are ongoing.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Butler
You can receive solar incentives from the federal government and the New Jersey government, as well as from your local utility company. This increase in availability of solar initiatives in the past 15 years has helped increase solar adoption nationwide. When you're prepared to make the switch to solar energy, talking to your local Butler solar panel installation expert is a great first step.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Butler, NJ Solar Incentives FAQs
Can I claim incentives for adding solar panels to a rental property, vacation home or commercial property?
While we recommend getting in touch with your local solar installer and/or tax professional to fully understand what solar incentives apply to you, many will apply to a second home, as long as it is in the United States and owned by you. There may be additional incentives available specifically for commercial properties, depending on the details.
How do I know if I qualify for solar incentives?
It's a smart idea to get in touch with your local Butler solar installer for a better understanding of which incentives your project will qualify for. Generally, solar incentives apply to new solar panel systems installed on property you own (in the U.S.) within a specified date range. Some incentives, like those given by the state of New Jersey, may have other requirements.
I already have solar panels installed. Does my system qualify for any incentives?
An excellent idea would be to talk to a representative from the company that installed your system — or speak to a local Butler solar installer — to clarify which incentives you may qualify for. If your solar panels were installed after January 1, 2022, you likely qualify for the recently increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. Solar systems installed between 2006 and 2021 may qualify for a tax credit of 26-30%.
When does the federal solar tax credit end?
The Clean Energy Credit (previously called the federal solar tax credit, or ITC), is slated to end on January 1, 2035. Currently set at 30%, the credit will drop to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034.
Can I use a combination of multiple types of renewable energy to power my home?
You can use multiple types of renewable energy, or a combination of renewable and non-renewable energy, to power your home. Be sure to go over your plan with your local Butler solar installation expert. They can help you as you plan for your project and give you an understanding of various incentives that you may or may not qualify for.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Solar incentive research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.