Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides multiple benefits. Here are some highlights.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Utilizing solar is a surefire way to decrease your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
- Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home running through emergencies and blackouts. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery storage system.
- Smaller power bills: Producing some or all of your own energy will save you money on your electric bills long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that allow you to sell your surplus energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Cherry Hill Homeowners?
New Jersey homeowners who go solar could qualify for rebates, tax credits, reimbursements and special financing. Here are just a few of the area's incentive offerings.
Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% exemption
Incentive Type: Performance-Based Incentive
Website: njcleanenergy.comIncentive Amount:
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
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% of value added by renewable system
Incentive Type: Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program
Website: njcleanenergy.comIncentive Amount:
Determined by the market.
In June 2016, SREC traded at an average price of $229.90.
Incentive Type: Other Incentive
Website: pseg.comIncentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: njcleanenergy.comIncentive Amount:
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
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: NJCnjcleaneEnergy.comIncentive Amount:
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)
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: NJCleanEnergy.comIncentive Amount:
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
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: NJCleanEnergy.comIncentive Amount:
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
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: njcleanenergy.comIncentive Amount:
$900,000 or 30% of the cost per project, which ever is less
Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit
Website: ecowatch.comIncentive Amount:
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.
How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Cherry Hill
The cost and efficiency of solar panels often hinge on the solar company that mounted them. Here are some important factors to bear in mind while shopping for a solar company.
Licensing and Training
Licensing requirements mean that your New Jersey solar installation team will likely have a variety of different professionals, including an electrician for wiring work and a master plumber for piping work. The most senior professionals on the team will also pull permits for the job. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private accreditations. Two of the most recognized are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, backed by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.
Cost of Solar Panels in Cherry Hill
Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.
If you want to charge an electric car or use your solar power in dark weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By selecting the right components, you can make your panel array more effective and user-friendly. Not every solar company offers these optional components, so look for a company that installs them if it's essential for you.
If you're a resident of Cherry Hill and want a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could plan to spend about $17,650 for parts and installation. See more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,203 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $939 |
Thin-Film | $549 |
Solar Battery | $770 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,888 |
Financing Solar Energy in Cherry Hill
Choosing the correct financing solution will influence your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include loans, power purchase agreements, leases, and cash payments. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments require a large up-front sum, but they help you avoid paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Like a home or auto loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases let you use your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, much like an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and do not provide you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. We advise working with a contractor that offers multiple financing options. Ask each agent about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your budget.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Cherry Hill.
The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on the full cost of the solar system, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Municipal authorities and utilities might also offer their own incentives, rebates, and financing programs that could save you more money.
Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
---|---|
1 kW | 2.8 years |
2 kW | 5.6 years |
5 kW | 14.1 years |
10 kW | 28.2 years |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Cherry Hill
How much money could I save by going solar in Cherry Hill?
Is solar energy widely available in Cherry Hill?
Should I expect a property value increase after adopting solar power?
What if I live in a heavily-wooded or gloomy
How long does the solar panel installation process require?
What size should my new Cherry Hill solar system be?
How does "net metering" work, and do I need to participate?
Some states or utilities mandate you to join net metering when purchasing your solar system, while others give you a choice. Either way, once you sign up, you'll earn a check or bill credit for your excess generation at a retail or wholesale rate.
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