2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Hamilton Square, NJ - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Hamilton Square.
You'll learn about:
- Local & State Solar Incentives
- Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2024 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 Hamilton Square solar installers to see how much you can save.
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Hamilton Square?
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.
PSE&G - Solar Loan Program
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 intended to make renewable energy usage more affordable through financial incentives to help people install solar panels on their homes. Various types of incentives, including cash back, discounts or credit towards your monthly utility bill, might be available to you. Some incentives may be handled by the New Jersey government, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while other incentives are federal. Some solar incentives you might qualify for are:
- Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions can come in one of two forms. First, there is sales tax exemption, which is applied at the time you purchase your solar panels. The second is property tax exemption. This allows you to exclude the added value of your solar system when paying property tax on your home.
- Rebates: Solar rebates may be offered by your local utility company, or by your county or state. These rebates work as cash back that is applied after you pay for a solar system and before tax credits are calculated.
- Net Metering: Net metering is an incentive you can get after your solar system is up and running. If you have a net metering agreement in place with your Hamilton Square utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your utility bill each month. In some locations, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in other places you might make back a percentage of the value.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits decrease, dollar-for-dollar, the amount of income tax you owe the federal government. These differ from tax deductions.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs are credits that can be sold to your utility company (or other buyers) for cash that typically becomes part of your taxable income. Typically, you must meet a certain (small) threshold of energy production before your solar system is eligible for SRECs or similar performance-based incentives. SRECs and similar incentives are typically handled at the state level.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
Federal Solar Incentives
When someone says "solar incentives," you likely think of federal incentives first. A federal incentive that most people are likely to be familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This is a tax credit for a certain percentage of the cost of your solar system.
The ITC applies to the total cost of solar system installation, including the panels themselves as well as accessories, labor and equipment. You can claim this credit for panels installed after January 1, 2006, on a primary or secondary residence that you own, as long as it is located in the United States. The tax credit ranges from 26-30% of total costs depending on when your project was completed. There is no maximum amount you can claim.
To better understand how the ITC might apply to your situation, speak to your local Hamilton Square solar panel installation expert and ask for more information.
In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act laid out new provisions for the ITC, now called the Clean Energy Credit. The new Clean Energy Credit now runs until 2035. You are now eligible for a 30% credit for solar systems installed between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2032. The credit will then see a slight annual decrease until its expiration. Starting in 2023, the expansion to the program will also make credits for energy storage systems even easier to claim.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. To understand how the new Clean Energy Credit might apply to you, reach out to your local Hamilton Square solar installers.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Tax credits, rebates and more can be provided at multiple levels. On top of federal solar incentives, there are often state and local ones, too. Incentives may be handled by the state of New Jersey, or by your county or municipality. Certain incentives may be available for only a limited time, while others are ongoing.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Hamilton Square
There are a number of different solar incentives: those provided by local utility companies, those offered by the New Jersey government and those given by the federal government, to name a few. Solar energy utilization has increased enormously in the last 15 years, thanks to these incentives. When you're prepared to make the change to solar energy, talking to your local Hamilton Square solar panel installation expert is an excellent place to start.
EcoWatch's Hamilton Square, NJ Solar Incentives FAQs
Who installs solar panels near me?
To find the best solar panel installer in your area, check out our guide to the top solar companies in Hamilton Square.
What are the environmental benefits of switching to solar?
You can decrease your carbon footprint by 300 pounds of CO2 annually by switching to solar panels. This adds up to around 5,000 pounds in 20 years. Solar is also a renewable energy source, meaning that making the switch lessens the drain on our planet's resources.
Can I receive incentives both towards the up-front cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
Yes, you can receive both tax credits and rebates towards the cost of your solar panels. Depending on precisely which incentives you are receiving, they may apply in a different order. Make sure that you speak with your solar installer or a local tax professional to verify that you are claiming incentives correctly and getting the most money possible.
What if I am planning to add solar panels to a vacation home, rental property or commercial property? Do I still qualify for incentives?
Many solar incentives are intended to apply to a property you own that is located within the United States; most secondary residences fall under this distinction. Other solar incentives may be available for commercial properties, depending on the details. We recommend talking to your local solar installer and/or tax professional to best understand what incentives apply to your specific situation.
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.