Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Utilizing solar is a surefire way to lower your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
- Better energy independence: Adding a battery storage system lets you have reliable energy during storms and grid outages.
- Lowered energy bills: With a solar array, you generate power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-tied power. You can eliminate your bills completely if you go off-grid. Plus, a significant amount of states offer net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Teaneck Homeowners?
New Jersey's public agencies and power companies offer several solar incentives to help lower your solar system costs. Here is a breakdown of available solar programs where you live.
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 Teaneck
The more comprehensive your provider search is, the better your photovoltaic system will ultimately work. Consider each of these factors in your service provider search.
Licensing and Training
Licensing requirements mean that your New Jersey solar installation team may have a variety of different professionals, including a master plumber for piping work and an electrician for wiring work. The most senior professionals on the team will also handle permit work for the job. Check for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar sector's most trusted trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Cost of Solar Panels in Teaneck
The type of solar panels you select determines how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.
Additional system add-ons, such as battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will raise your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar providers offer these extras, so look for a company that sells them if it's crucial for you.
Most Teaneck homeowners select solar systems rated for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $17,650 to set up, considering both parts and installation. You can find more specific solar cost information in the table.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,174 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $915 |
Thin-Film | $535 |
Solar Battery | $751 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,817 |
Financing Solar Energy in Teaneck
Solar providers use multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar loans and cash payments. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most affordable choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a car loan or mortgage, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for cost-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a fluctuating rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in particular circumstances. Look for contractors that offer several payment plans to find the right fit for your wallet.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Teaneck.
A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new home solar systems purchased through 2032. Additional incentives may be available through local governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.
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 Teaneck
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
Is solar energy common in Teaneck?
Should I expect a boost in my property value after switching to solar energy?
How can I check my home's solar potential?
What maintenance do my solar panels need, and how often do they need it?
What is the average payback period for Teaneck solar panels?
What's the difference between a PPA and a solar lease?
You don't own the panels with either option, though you can choose to "buy out" of the contract for a fee.
How are traditional solar loans and PPAs different?
You might consider a PPA if you don’t want to be responsible for maintenance and don’t want to invest in a system, but keep in mind you won’t be paying toward ownership or be able to access any cost-saving solar incentives. Many solar experts don’t recommend PPAs. Our guide covers other financing options above.
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