2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Lumberton, NJ - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Lumberton.
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.
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Updated September 15, 2023
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Lumberton?
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.
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/
The phrase "solar incentives" refers broadly to financial incentives put in place by solar companies and the government to encourage increased use of renewable energy by making solar panels more affordable. The incentives might include cash back, upfront discounts or credit towards your monthly utility bill. Some incentives are offered by the federal government, some by the state of New Jersey and some by your utility company, county or municipality. Categories of solar incentives include:
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs and other performance-based incentives are usually handled by your state government. Once your solar panel system meets the qualification threshold (normally a small amount of energy production), you can receive SRECs that can be sold to your utility company or other buyers. The money you make from the sale is usually considered part of your taxable income.
- 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 your purchase of a solar system and before tax credits are calculated.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions (not deductions) in how much in taxes you owe the government.
- Tax Exemptions: These can come in the form of property tax exemptions, which let you ignore the value of your solar system when calculating the taxes you pay on your house. They may also include exemptions on sales tax at the time of purchase.
- Net Metering: Net metering is an incentive you can get after your solar panels are up and running. If you have in place a net metering agreement with your Lumberton utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your utility bill each month. In some places, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in other areas you might make back a percentage of the value.
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Federal Solar Incentives
Federal solar incentives are probably the first thing that you think of when thinking about solar incentives. You've likely heard of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. This is a tax credit that reduces your taxes by a certain percentage of the money you spend on solar panels for your home.
The ITC can be credited towards the value of solar panels installed on your primary or secondary residence in the United States. The solar system must have been installed after January 1, 2006 on a property you own for you to claim the credit. The ITC initially covered 30% of all costs (panels, accessories, labor and equipment), although the total amount has fluctuated over the years between 26-30%. The installation date of your solar system will determine what percentage you are eligible for. There is no cap on the amount you can claim.
To find out exactly how much the ITC could save you, contact your local Lumberton solar panel installer.
The ITC was renewed and increased in scope after the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022. It's also now called the Clean Energy Credit. The Clean Energy Credit is valid until 2035. Your solar installation project undertaken between 2022 and 2032 may qualify for a 30% tax credit. The amount will decrease slightly on a yearly basis until the current program ends. The expansion to the program also makes claiming credit for energy storage systems easier than ever before, starting in 2023.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. To understand how the new Clean Energy Credit might apply to you, reach out to your local Lumberton solar installers.
State & Local Solar Incentives
There are more than just federal solar incentives; rebates, tax credits and more might also be offered at the local or state level. The incentives — which may be provided by your county or municipality, or by the state of New Jersey — may be offered on an ongoing basis, or for only a limited time.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Lumberton
The nationwide use of solar energy has gone up tremendously in the last 15 years, in part thanks to the proliferation of solar incentives. You might receive these incentives from the federal government, the New Jersey government or your local utility company. When you're ready to make the switch to solar energy, talking to your local Lumberton solar panel installation expert is a great first step.
EcoWatch's Lumberton, NJ Solar Incentives FAQs
Can I receive any incentives when I add solar panels to a vacation home, rental property or commercial property?
Many solar incentives apply to a property located within the United States that you own; most secondary residences fall under this distinction. There may be other solar incentives available for commercial properties, depending on the specifics. We recommend getting in touch with your local solar installer and/or tax professional to better understand what incentives apply to your specific situation.
If I already have solar panels, can I still claim incentives?
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 may qualify for a tax credit between 26% and 30%, depending on the date of installation. Reaching out to the company that installed your system, or any local Lumberton solar installer, can help you understand what incentives you can apply for.
How much can I save on my electric bill annually if I add solar panels to my Lumberton home?
On average, Lumberton homeowners who install solar panels save about $774.55 per year, or about $14,716.44 over 20 years after making the switch.
What are the highest-rated solar panel installation companies near me?
To find the best solar panel installation companies near you, take a look at our article on Lumberton's best solar panel companies.
Can I claim incentives both towards the initial cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
The order that incentives will be applied in could vary depending on which incentives you receive but usually yes, you can claim multiple types of incentives for your solar project. Get in touch with your solar installer or a local tax professional to ensure you are claiming all of the incentives you qualify for and applying them in the correct order.
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.