2023 Solar Incentives Guide for East Orange, NJ - Tax Credits & Rebates

In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in East Orange.

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 East Orange solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in East Orange?

Solar Energy Sales Tax Exemption

Incentive Type:
Sales Tax Incentive
100% exemption

Successor Solar Incentive (SuSI) Program

Incentive Type:
Performance-Based Incentive
Net-Metered Residential: $90/SREC-II

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

Incentive Type:
Property Tax Incentive
100% of value added by renewable system

Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) Registration Program

Incentive Type:
Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program
Determined by the market.
In June 2016, SREC traded at an average price of $229.90.

PSE&G - Solar Loan Program

Incentive Type:
Other Incentive

NJ Clean Energy- Residential New Construction Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Incentives depend on the HERS score and the classification
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

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Rebates
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

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Central AC: Tier 1 $300(Tier 1), $500 (Tier 2)
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)

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Residential Electric Customers (including municipal utility customers):
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)

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
$900,000 or 30% of the cost per project, which ever is less

Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit

Incentive Type:
Personal Tax Credit
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/


Solar incentives mitigate the cost of installing solar panels on your home. Financial incentives like these are intended to encourage more Americans to switch to renewable energy. Various kinds of incentives, such as cash back, discounts or monthly utility bill credits, might be available to you. Some incentives may be offered by the state of New Jersey, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while others are federal. You might qualify for any of the following types of solar incentives:

  • Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): Typically, solar systems that produce more than a specified (usually small) amount of electricity will qualify for SRECs or similar performance-based incentives. SRECs and the like are typically offered at the state level. SRECs can be sold to your utility company or another buyer, and the money you receive is normally considered part of your taxable income.
  • Net Metering: You may be able to sign a net metering contract with your East Orange utility company that will apply to all or a percentage of the excess electricity your solar panels generate. They will then deduct this value from your monthly utility bill.
  • Tax Credits: Different from tax deductions, tax credits reduce, dollar-for-dollar, the amount of income tax that you owe the government.
  • Rebates: Rebates, or partial refunds after a purchase, are usually applied prior to any solar tax credits being calculated. Solar rebates might be provided by your local utility company, by your state or by your county.
  • Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions are applied at the time of purchase for your solar panels. Property tax exemptions allow you to exclude the value added by your solar system when you're calculating the amount of property tax you need to pay.

Federal Solar Incentives

Federal solar incentives are likely the first thing that you think of when thinking about solar incentives. The solar incentive that you may be most familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which gives you a credit on your taxes equal to a percentage of your solar system's cost.

The ITC can be applied to a solar system installed on your primary or secondary residence in the United States. The solar system must have been installed on a property you own after January 1, 2006 for you to claim the credit. Originally, the ITC covered 30% of all costs (panels, labor, accessories and equipment), although this amount has fluctuated slightly over the last few years between 26-30%. The amount you qualify for will depend on when your solar system was installed. There is no cap on the amount you can claim.

Wondering how the ITC applies to your specific situation? Get in touch with your local East Orange solar panel installation expert to get more information.

The ITC has been renewed and expanded following the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022. It's also now called the Clean Energy Credit. For solar systems installed between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2032, homeowners can apply for a credit equal to 30% of the total cost. This percentage will decrease annually after 2032 until the Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. Starting in 2023, the program expansion will also make credits for energy storage systems even easier to claim.

Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. To fully understand how the new Clean Energy Credit might apply to you, get in touch with your local East Orange solar installation company.

State & Local Solar Incentives

In addition to federal solar incentives, there are often also state ones. Tax credits, rebates and more might be available at a more local level. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others might only be available for a limited time. Incentives might be given by the New Jersey government, or by your county or municipality.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in East Orange

Solar energy use nationwide has significantly increased in the last 15 years, in part due to the proliferation of solar incentives. You may get these incentives from the federal government, the New Jersey government or your local utility company. We recommend talking to your local East Orange solar installation expert to learn more about these incentives and to be sure that you're getting the most money possible for your solar system.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

EcoWatch's East Orange, NJ Solar Incentives FAQs

What if I want to add solar panels to a rental property, vacation home or commercial property? Will I still qualify for incentives?

Many solar incentives apply to a property you own that is located within the United States, and most secondary residences will fall into this category. There may be other solar incentives available for commercial properties, depending on the details. We recommend getting in touch with your local solar installer and/or tax professional to fully understand what incentives may apply to your specific situation.

How can I find out if I qualify for solar incentives?

Generally, solar incentives apply to:

  1. a new solar system
  2. installed on property that you own
  3. within the U.S.
  4. between the dates specified by a particular incentive.

Specific incentives, including those given out by the New Jersey government or by your county/municipality, sometimes have additional qualifications. Talk to your local East Orange solar installer to find out what incentives your project may qualify for.

My home already has solar panels. Are there any incentives that I qualify for?

If your solar panels were installed after January 1, 2022, you may qualify for the newly increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. If your system was installed between 2006 and 2021, you might qualify for a tax credit between 26% and 30%, depending on the exact installation date. Speaking with a representative from the company that installed your solar system, or any local East Orange solar installer, can help you learn more about what incentives you can apply for.

What are the best solar panel installation companies near me?

To find the best solar panel installer in your area, check out our guide to East Orange's best solar panel companies.

Can I apply for incentives both towards the up-front cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?

Yes, you can claim both rebates and tax credits towards the cost of solar panels. Depending on which incentives you are claiming, they may apply in a different order. Be sure to talk to your solar installer or a local tax professional to confirm that you are claiming the correct incentives and getting the most money you can.

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.

Follow us