2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Pompton Lakes, NJ - Tax Credits & Rebates

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

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 Pompton Lakes solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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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 Pompton Lakes?

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.

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 are intended to make renewable energy usage more affordable via financial incentives for those who install solar panels on their homes. The incentives could include upfront discounts, cash back or credit towards your monthly utility bill. Some incentives are given by the federal government, some by the New Jersey government and some by your utility company, county or municipality. Categories of solar incentives include:

  • Net Metering: Make sure you speak with your Pompton Lakes utility company about signing a net metering agreement. This allows you to receive credit towards your utility bill every month for the value of excess energy your solar panels generate. You may receive either a dollar-for-dollar credit or a percentage of the value.
  • Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs and similar other performance-based incentives might be available to you if you have a solar system that produces more than a specified (typically small) amount of electricity. Performance-based incentives are normally handled by the state government. You can sell your SRECs to your utility company or other buyers, and the money you receive in return is typically considered part of your taxable income.
  • Tax Credits: Tax credits reduce, dollar-for-dollar, the total amount of tax you owe the federal government. Tax credits differ from tax deductions.
  • Rebates: Solar companies may help you claim a rebate, or partial refund of your purchase, for your solar system. States or counties will also offer limited-time rebates at various times. The value of a rebate will usually come off the total price before any tax credits are calculated.
  • Tax Exemptions: Tax exemptions can come in one of two forms. The first is sales tax exemption, applied at the time you purchase your solar panels. The second is property tax exemption, which allows you to ignore the value added by your solar system when paying property tax on your house.

Federal Solar Incentives

When thinking about solar incentives, you probably think of federal incentives first. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is probably the most well-known federal solar incentive. The ITC provides you with a tax credit for a predetermined percentage of the cost of your solar system.

The ITC can be applied to solar panels installed after January 1, 2006 on a primary or secondary residence that you own in the United States. Originally, the tax credit was for 30% of the total cost — for panels, accessories, labor and equipment — although it may range from 26-30%, depending on when your solar project was undertaken. There is no cap on the claim amount.

Your local Pompton Lakes solar panel installation expert can provide more information about the ITC and how it might apply to your situation.

In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act expanded and extended the ITC, now called the Clean Energy Credit. With the new provisions, solar installation projects started after January 1, 2022 and completed by the end of 2032 may be eligible for a 30% tax credit. The amount of the credit will then decrease slightly each year until the current Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. The expansion also makes credits for energy storage systems even easier to claim, beginning in 2023.

More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. The best way to fully understand how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you is to get in touch with your local Pompton Lakes solar panel company.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Some solar incentives are often also provided by state and local governments. Like with federal incentives, these may include tax credits, rebates and more. Incentives might be offered by the state of New Jersey, or by your county or municipality. Some incentives are available for only a limited time, while others are ongoing.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Pompton Lakes

Solar incentives can come from your local utility company, the federal government or the New Jersey government. The large number of incentives available has contributed to a large increase in solar energy use in the last 15 years. If you're prepared to switch over to solar energy, getting in touch with your local Pompton Lakes solar panel installation expert is a great first step.

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 for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Pompton Lakes, NJ Solar Incentives FAQs

What are some of the environmental benefits of switching to solar energy?

Solar energy is a renewable energy source — by changing where you get your energy, you help lessen the strain on our planet's resources. Solar panels can also lower the CO2 emissions from your home by 250 pounds a year, or roughly 5,000 pounds in 20 years.

How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?

The Clean Energy Credit (formerly called the federal solar tax credit, or ITC), currently ends on January 1, 2035. Currently set at 30%, the credit will drop to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034.

I want to switch my appliances out for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any credits I can get?

The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act includes provisions for several incentives designed to reward homeowners who make eco-friendly upgrades. Some incentives include tax credits and rebates for installing new electric appliances. You can find more details about these incentives here.

Can I apply for incentives both towards the initial 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 eligible for, they may apply in a different order. Make sure that you speak with your solar installer or a local tax professional to confirm that you are claiming the correct incentives and that you're getting the most money you can.

Can I use multiple types of renewable energy to power my home?

Yes, you can utilize multiple types of renewable energy to power your home — for example, a combination of wind and solar. You can also use both renewable energy sources and a backup source of non-renewable energy. Make sure that you discuss your plan with your local Pompton Lakes solar installation expert, to make sure you know what you'll need and what incentives you might or might 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.

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