2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Mahwah, NJ - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Mahwah.
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 Mahwah 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 Mahwah?
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 meant to help mitigate the cost of installing solar panels on your home. Financial incentives like these are in place to encourage more Americans to switch their home over to renewable energy. These incentives might include cash back, upfront discounts or monthly credits towards your utility bill. Some incentives are provided by the federal government, some by the state of New Jersey and some by your specific utility company, county or municipality. Categories of solar incentives include:
- Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the federal government. (This is different from a tax deduction.)
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): In most cases, solar systems that produce more than a predetermined (usually small) amount of electricity qualify for SRECs or other similar performance-based incentives. SRECs and similar incentives are typically provided at the state level. When you receive an SREC, you can sell it to your utility company or another buyer, and this is usually considered part of your taxable income.
- Tax Exemptions: These could come in the form of property tax exemptions, which allow you to exclude the value added by your solar panels when calculating the taxes you pay on your home. You could also look for exemptions on sales tax at the time of purchase.
- Rebates: Solar rebates can be offered by your local utility company, or by your county or state. These rebates are essentially cash back that is applied after you purchase solar panels and before tax credits are calculated.
- Net Metering: Be sure to speak with your Mahwah utility company about signing a net metering contract. This will allow you to get a credit towards your utility bill every month for the value of excess energy generated by your solar panels. You might receive either a dollar-for-dollar credit or a percentage of the value.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Federal Solar Incentives
When thinking about solar incentives, federal incentives are likely the first thing that comes to mind. The solar incentive that you're most familiar with is probably the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which provides a credit on your taxes equal to a predetermined percentage of the cost of your solar system.
The ITC can be credited towards the value of solar panels installed on your primary or secondary residence in the United States. The solar panels must have been installed after January 1, 2006, on a property owned by you for you to be eligible for the credit. Originally, the ITC covered 30% of all system installation costs (panels, labor, accessories and equipment), although the amount has fluctuated over time between 26-30%. The amount you qualify for will depend on when your solar system was installed. There is no cap on the claim amount.
Speaking with your local Mahwah solar panel installation expert is the best way to understand how the ITC applies to your situation.
The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August 2022, made some changes to the ITC (as well as retitling it the Clean Energy Credit). Homeowners can now receive a credit of 30% of the total solar system installation costs for projects started after January 1, 2022, and completed before the end of 2032. The percentage will then begin to decrease yearly until the Clean Energy Credit ends in 2035. The expansion to the program also makes claiming credit for energy storage systems easier than ever before, starting in 2023.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. To fully understand how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you, speak with your local Mahwah solar installers.
State & Local Solar Incentives
There are often state solar incentives available in addition to federal ones. Rebates, tax credits and more may be available at a more local level. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others are offered for only a limited time. Your local solar incentives could come from your county or municipality, or from the New Jersey government.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Mahwah
Solar incentives may be provided by the New Jersey government, the federal government or your local utility company. The large number of available incentives has contributed to a large increase in solar energy use in the last 15 years. Contact your local solar panel installer today to learn more and to save the most money possible on a solar system for your Mahwah home.
EcoWatch's Mahwah, NJ Solar Incentives FAQs
How do I know if I qualify for certain solar incentives?
It's a good idea to talk to your local Mahwah solar installer to get an understanding of which incentives your project may qualify for. Typically, solar incentives apply to new solar systems installed on property you own (in the U.S.) between the dates specified by the incentive. Some incentives, like those provided by the New Jersey government, may have other requirements.
How much will a solar system save me annually on my electric bill in Mahwah?
On average, homeowners in Mahwah who install solar panels save around $776.22 per year, or about $14,748.21 over 20 years after making the switch.
How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?
The Clean Energy Credit (formerly called the federal solar tax credit, or the ITC), currently ends on January 1, 2035. Currently set at 30%, the credit will drop to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034.
Can I use solar and another type of renewable energy in combination to power my home?
Yes, you can employ multiple types of renewable energy to power your home, such as a combination of wind and solar. You can also combine renewable energy generation with a backup source of non-renewable energy. Be sure to discuss your proposed plan with your local Mahwah solar panel installer, so that you understand what you'll need and what kinds of incentives you may or may not qualify for.
What if I am planning to add a solar system to a vacation home, rental property or commercial property? Can I still qualify for incentives?
While we recommend speaking with your local solar installer and/or tax professional to best understand what solar incentives apply to you, many incentives 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 specifics.
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.