2024 Solar Incentives Guide for West Caldwell, NJ - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in West Caldwell.
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.
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in West Caldwell?
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 designed to encourage homeowners to switch to renewable energy by offering incentives meant to lower the financial burden of solar panel installation and use. Different kinds of incentives, including cash back, discounts or credit towards your monthly utility bill, might be available to you. Certain incentives may be provided via the New Jersey government, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while other incentives are federal. Types of solar incentives might include:
- Rebates: Your solar installer might help you claim a rebate, or partial refund of your purchase, for your solar panels. Counties or states will also offer limited-time rebates at various times. The value of a rebate will usually be deducted from your total price before tax credits are calculated.
- Tax Exemptions: These might come in the form of property tax exemptions, which let you exclude the value added by your solar panels when paying property tax on your home. You may also qualify for an exemption on sales tax at the time of purchase.
- Tax Credits: Different from tax deductions, tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the federal government.
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC): SRECs and similar performance-based incentives might be available to you if you have a solar system that produces over a specified (typically small) amount of electricity. Performance-based incentives are generally handled at the state level. You can sell any SRECs you have to your utility company or other buyers, and the money you make is generally considered part of your taxable income.
- Net Metering: Net metering factors in once your solar system is up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your West Caldwell utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your monthly utility bill. In some locations, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in others you may get refunded a percentage of the value.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
Federal Solar Incentives
When someone says "solar incentives," you probably think of federal incentives first. A federal incentive many people are probably familiar with is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This incentive is a tax credit for a given percentage of your solar system's cost.
The ITC applies to solar panels installed after January 1, 2006, on a primary or secondary residence in the United States that you own. Initially, the credit applied to 30% of the total cost – for panels, equipment, labor and accessories – although that amount may range from 26-30%, depending on when your solar project was undertaken. There is no cap on the amount you can claim.
Wondering how the ITC applies to your specific situation? Reach out to your local West Caldwell solar panel installer to get more information.
In August 2022, the ITC (now called the Clean Energy Credit) was expanded and extended by the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. The Clean Energy Credit is valid until 2035. Solar installation projects started after January 1, 2022, and completed by the end of 2032 may qualify for a 30% tax credit; this amount will decrease slightly on a yearly basis until the current program ends. The expansion to the program also makes credits for energy storage systems even easier to claim, starting in 2023.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. To understand how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you, talk to your local West Caldwell solar installers.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Some solar incentives may be provided by state and local governments. Like with federal incentives, these could include tax credits, rebates and more. Certain incentives are offered for only a limited time, while others are ongoing. Your local solar incentives could come from the New Jersey government, or from your specific county or municipality.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in West Caldwell
The expanding number of solar incentives available has helped tremendously increase the nationwide adoption of solar energy over the last 15 years. You might qualify for solar incentives from the federal government, the New Jersey government or from your local utility company. Getting in touch with your local West Caldwell solar panel installation company is the best first step towards getting the most money possible when you switch to solar energy.
EcoWatch's West Caldwell, NJ Solar Incentives FAQs
How can I learn if I qualify for different solar incentives?
It's a smart idea to get in touch with your local West Caldwell solar installer to get an understanding of which incentives your project will qualify for. Typically, solar incentives apply to new solar systems installed on a property you own (in the U.S.) between the dates specified by the incentive. Some incentives, such as those provided at the level of the New Jersey government, might have other requirements.
What are some environmental benefits of adding solar panels to my house?
You can decrease your carbon footprint by 300 pounds of CO2 a year by switching to solar panels. This adds up to roughly 5,000 pounds over 20 years. In addition, solar power is a renewable energy source, which means that switching your home over reduces the drain on our planet's resources.
When does the federal solar tax credit end?
The federal solar tax credit, previously called the ITC and now called the Clean Energy Credit, is scheduled to end on January 1, 2035. The current 30% credit will end in 2032, replaced by a 26% credit in 2033 and a 22% credit in 2034.
Can I claim incentives both towards the up-front cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?
The order that incentives will be applied in may vary depending on which incentives you are eligible for but generally yes, you can receive 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 the incentives you're eligible for and applying them in the correct order.
Can I get any financial incentives when I add solar panels to a rental property, vacation home or commercial property?
While we recommend speaking with your local solar installer and/or tax professional to fully understand what solar incentives apply to you, many can be claimed on a second home, so long as that home is in the United States and owned by you. There may be other incentives available for commercial properties specifically, 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.