Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy has several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Lowered energy bills: With solar energy systems, you create power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-connected power. You can eliminate your bills completely if you go off-grid. Plus, a significant amount of states have adopted net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
- Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home running through emergencies and blackouts, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery storage.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power lowers your dependence on fossil fuels, which release greenhouse gases that damage the environment.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to West New York Homeowners?
Governments and utility companies often incentivize homeowners for going solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, or other programs you could qualify for.
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 West New York
The more comprehensive your company investigation is, the better your solar panels will ultimately perform. Consider all of these factors in your business search.
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 master-level professionals on the team will also pull permits for the job. Check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar sector's most respected trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Cost of Solar Panels in West New York
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.
Additional system add-ons, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will increase your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar contractor includes these optional components, so look for a provider that sells them if it's crucial for you.
You can plan to spend about $17,650 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in West New York. Check the table in this section to get an idea of how much West New York solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,232 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $961 |
Thin-Film | $562 |
Solar Battery | $789 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,957 |
Financing Solar Energy in West New York
Choosing the optimal financing option will influence your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include leases, power purchase agreements, loans, and cash payments. We recommend paying with cash or using a solar loan for the best return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to reduce your total costs. Solar loans are another solid option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) enables you to pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the solar system and cannot use solar incentives. We advise working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each consultant about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your financial plan.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in West New York.
The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on your new solar panels, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Municipal authorities and utilities might also offer their own financing programs, rebates, and incentives 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 West New York
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
Is solar energy readily available in West New York?
Will solar panels increase my West New York home worth?
Could I still use solar power if I live in a dark, wooded, or rainy area?
What can I do to assess my home's solar potential?
What's the average solar system size in West New York?
What are some "red flags" to watch for as I research companies?
- Pushy sales approach
- Dodging questions about cost, references, warranties and credentials and training
- "One-size-fits-all" approach
- Superficial, rushed site evaluation
- Limited customer feedback
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.
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