solar energy Archives - Green House Solar

You’ve most likely heard of solar panels, but have you heard of a solar backup system? Solar backup systems, which sometimes come in the form of a solar battery, can be very beneficial in maximizing your home’s energy usage while lowering your energy consumption. With the cost of living continuing to rise, this is very attractive to homeowners and business owners alike. Here are several key advantages of a solar backup system.

Solar Backup Systems Manage Grid Cost

Most of us belong to our local energy grid, which means our energy prices fluctuate throughout the year and are most likely expensive in the summer. Even if you already have solar panels, there may be times when you need to pull energy from the grid and your costs increase.

A solar backup system helps you manage grid cost by kicking in when your energy usage is particularly high, and it can store excess energy and release it at exactly the right time. This way you won’t have to draw more power from the grid and can instead continue powering your home with free, renewable energy.

It Comes with Government Incentives

There are several federal and state incentives you can use to help offset the cost of purchasing, installing, or upgrading a home solar system, including:

Solar Investment Tax Credit: this incentive offers a 30% discount on all solar systems installed in tax years 2022 through 2032. You are eligible to claim this credit once.
The state of New Jersey also offers various solar tax credits and rebates, such as Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs), the Solar Investment Property Tax Exemption, and the Solar Panel System Sales Tax Exemption. Contact our team to learn more about each of these options.

A Constant Source of Power

Blackouts and power outages happen from time to time, especially during months where we experience severe weather conditions. Fortunately, with a solar backup system, you can continue powering your home even when the grid goes down. This is especially important for people with young children and for older adults who require certain medical equipment.

About Our NJ Energy Backup Systems

At Green House Solar, we are proud to supply market-leading solar backup systems that can keep your home powered and decrease your reliance on the on the grid. The cost of solar panels in New Jersey has come down significantly – before factoring in any rebates or tax credits – and you can expect your solar panels to last for 25 to 30 years. On the other hand, for the average person in New Jersey who uses traditional energy, their monthly bill is around $120. With more and more electric vehicles on the road and increasing opportunities for home electrification, demand for electricity is only going up. At the same time electricity rates are rising between 3-5% per year on average, making now one of the best times in recent history to install solar and backup systems and future-proof your home.

For more information about the advantages of a solar backup system, or if you have any questions, please contact our team at Green House Solar today. Discover why so many people choose us as their trusted NJ solar energy company by visiting our website at: https://greenhouse.solar

Commercial Solar Incentives and Tax Credits

We’ve mentioned it once or twice, but we’ll ask again to be sure: Did you know that the state of New Jersey offers various solar incentives and tax credits to property owners? If you own a commercial building that houses your business, you’re undoubtedly always looking for ways to cut costs and save more money. Solar panel installation may seem like a costly investment upfront, but with all the incentives available now, it is the ideal way for you to supply renewable energy to your building, get some money back post-installation and save on monthly energy costs in the long run. Let’s take a more detailed look at the various NJ financial incentives available to you:

Understanding New Jersey’s Solar Incentives and Rebates

New Jersey has a solar incentive program called the Successor Solar Incentive (SuSI) Program, and it’s divided into two different parts:

Administratively Determined Incentive (ADI): This program provides a fixed-incentive payment for residential, most commercial and industrial, and community net metered solar projects, and the payment is guaranteed for 15 years. The type and size of the solar project will determine the value of the incentive, and it generally ranges from $70 to $120 for every megawatt hour of energy the system produces.
Competitive Solar Incentive (CSI): This program is for projects larger than five megawatts and grid supply projects, and it involves a competitive solicitation process. The goal is to set the lowest financial contribution from rate-payers for solar projects that provide energy directly to the grid, and for larger-scale commercial and industrial projects.

New Jersey also has a Solar Sales Tax Exemption that allows a 100% sales tax exemption on all major solar equipment for homeowners, and a Property Tax Exemption under which home and business owners are not taxed on the increase in value to their home if they have a solar system.

Federal Tax Credits for New Jersey Homeowners Going Solar

The Residential Clean Energy Credit can be claimed by New Jersey homeowners who install renewable energy equipment, including things like solar batteries and electric vehicle chargers. This tax credit was extended in 2022 and allows homeowners to claim up to 30% of costs associated with solar installation on their federal taxes.

Speak to a NJ Solar Panel Expert Today

Whether you’re still on the fence about installing solar panels, or you’re ready to start your solar journey, our solar panel experts can help you chart a path forward and ensure that you take advantage of all the available state and federal monetary incentives. As solar panels become more popular and the need to address climate change grows more urgent, governments are recognizing the importance of incentivizing commercial and residential property owners to switch from non-renewable to clean, renewable energy.

For more information about the various commercial solar incentives available for property owners in New Jersey, or you’d like more information about solar panel installation and upkeep, please contact our team at Green House Solar today or visit our website at: https://greenhouse.solar/

Solar Panels Increase your Property Value

Solar panels are becoming more sought-after as homeowners across the country discover the many benefits, both financial and environmental. If you’ve been curious about the economic benefits of solar energy and you’re considering installing a home solar system in NJ, our team can help you understand your options and get you started on your solar journey. Let’s take a closer look at exactly how solar can increase the value of your property, and how to maximize the benefits solar panels can bring:

How Solar Panels Increases Your Property Value

The latest research indicates that properties with rooftop solar panels sell for approximately 4% more than properties without them. Solar panels are also extremely low-maintenance which is attractive to potential buyers, and most solar panels are very durable and have a very long lifespan of 25 years (sometimes more)! From this, we can conclude having a durable, low-maintenance solar system is a positive when valuing your property.

The ROI of Installing Solar Panels and Property Value

Installation is the largest upfront cost involved with getting a solar system. Fortunately, the federal government has a solar tax credit for homeowners that can help mitigate the costs. This means that taking advantage of the tax credit combined with the fact that you’ll soon be enjoying lower energy bills ensures you will be able to recoup any installation costs sooner rather than later. Plus, your property value increases from the moment you install your home solar system.

How to Maximize the Property Value Benefits of Solar Panels

Install your solar panels on the roof if possible. Rooftop solar systems, instead of ground-based systems, are viewed as the most desirable by potential buyers, so if your roof is able to support solar panels, we recommend a rooftop unit.
Keep your solar panels well maintained. As mentioned above solar panels are very low maintenance, but that doesn’t mean you can install and then forget about them. Ask your solar installer about a regular maintenance plan, so they can ensure the panels are kept in top condition.
Invest in high-quality solar panels. Now that solar panels are more mainstream, the market is flooded with solar systems of varying quality. It’s essential to invest in durable, well-made panels.

More About Green House Solar Panels in NJ

Whether you’re ready to install a home solar system or you still have some questions, our team of experts can discuss your options, including financing, and help you get started on your solar journey. We offer industry-leading solar panels (SUNPOWER®) that are designed to stand the test of time and endure all different weather conditions.

For more information about how solar panels can increase your property value, or if you would like more information about installation costs, please contact our team at Green House Solar today or visit us at: https://greenhouse.solar/

Solar Energy, Solar Energy Systems, Solar Panels, Economic Benefits Of Solar Energyy, Cost Effective Solar Energy

One big misconception about solar panels is that it’s too expensive for homeowners. This will often deter people from looking into this renewable energy option for their homes or businesses. Fortunately, this couldn’t be more untrue. There are many financing options that are geared towards residents of New Jersey.

That being said, we’ll discuss New Jersey’s different solar financing alternatives for residential and commercial property owners. Discover eligibility requirements, advice on selecting the best financing plan, and the magic of PPA’s (power purchase agreements). We’ll cover a lot here, but don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with Green House Solar, a certified NJ solar energy business, to discuss cost-effective solar energy solutions in more detail.

Understanding New Jersey’s Solar Financing Options

Now is the ideal time to invest in solar energy for your house or business if you’ve been thinking about it. Incentives and financing alternatives abound, which make solar installations in New Jersey very cost-effective and profitable.

Federal Incentives for Solar

The federal government has stepped in with solar incentives that are arguably as good or better for some people. For solar projects started between 2022 and 2032, the current Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is a generous 30%. That comes right off the top of your tax bill. Additionally the Inflation Reduction Act offers 10% off for solar systems that are 100% made in the US, 10% off for systems installed in “energy communities” like brownfield sites, and another 10% off for systems installed in designated economic development areas, offering additional savings on top of that.

Tax-exempt organizations in New Jersey can now apply for the direct payment equivalent of the 30% federal tax credit, thanks to a ground-breaking change. This modification creates opportunities for non-profit property owners who want to adopt solar energy.

Successor Solar Incentive

Even though NJ discontinued the original SREC program, New Jersey still provides attractive solar incentives through its Successor Solar Incentive (SuSI) Program. For residential, business, industrial, and community net-metered solar systems, the Administrator Determined Incentive (ADI) offers a fixed payment guaranteed for 15 years. For each megawatt hour of energy produced, the value of the incentive varies depending on the type and scale of the solar plant, often ranging from $70 and $120.

Solar Tax Exemptions in NJ

You can also take advantage of the Solar Sales Tax Exemption as a resident of New Jersey, which exempts substantial solar equipment purchases from paying sales tax at all costs. Additionally, the Property Tax Exemption ensures that the value a solar system adds to your property is not taxed.

Solar panel installation in New Jersey typically costs between $20,000 and $100,000, but the long-term savings far surpass the initial outlay. Solar panels frequently have warranties of 25 years or longer, and even after 25 years, they still provide roughly 92% of their initial electricity with little to no degradation.

Going solar can provide businesses in New Jersey several advantages, including net metering, investment tax credits, accelerated depreciation, and solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs).

Get Credits for Supplying Solar Energy to the Grid

Net metering is advantageous because it enables property owners to get credits for surplus energy that is sent back to the grid. By offsetting their electricity costs with these credits, they may incur no expenses for the net power used. Both the environment and your energy bills benefit from this.

At Green House Solar, we promote solar ownership and provide a range of financing choices. We have options available with no upfront out-of-pocket costs for consumers with excellent credit, whether you decide to own your solar panels or prefer leasing or power purchase agreements (PPAs).

Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)

As rates have risen, the landscape has changed and solar loans are not as attractive as they once were just a short time ago. Solar leases have had a bad reputation in the past, but PPAs offer another way to purchase your power (and lower your electric bill) without putting any money down.

With a PPA, the company who installs your panels sells the power generated to your property at a fixed rate that is typically lower than your current utility bills. This lower electricity price serves to offset your purchase of electricity from the grid, while the solar company receives the income from these sales of electricity, as well as any tax credits and other incentives generated from the system. During this agreement, the solar company is responsible for the maintenance and overall performance of the panels. What’s great about this is you can save money upfront and then after 5 years, you can choose to buy the solar system outright.

At Green House Solar, we know how crucial solar financing is to maximizing the advantages of solar energy. If you have any questions that were not covered here, please contact someone from our team today or visit our website.

Since the Federal Investment Tax Credit has been increased to 30% for all solar panel installations that began in 2022, solar panels have become even more enticing to property owners. Besides the cost incentives (that are huge), solar energy is renewable and sustainable, making it an environmentally friendly choice for powering your property. By harnessing the power of the sun, solar panels generate electricity without emitting harmful greenhouse gasses or pollutants. By installing solar panels on your property, you contribute to reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change. This is especially important if you own a commercial property, as being green can attract more clients to your business or renters to your apartment building. In this article, our solar panel installation team in NJ will take an even closer look at the advantages of solar energy for your property – whether it be commercial or residential.

Solar Panels Are Not Dependent on Other Sources of Energy.

One compelling reason to consider solar panels for your property is their independence from other energy sources. Unlike traditional electricity, which relies on fossil fuels such as coal or natural gas, solar panels generate electricity directly from sunlight. This independence from fossil fuels makes solar panels a reliable and sustainable energy solution,. Which is especially important if you experience a power outage on your street. With a solar battery backup system installed in conjunction with your panels, you can tap into stored energy and keep things running business as usual. Solar panels and solar backup effectively reduce your dependence on the traditional power grid, so you can obtain more control over your energy consumption.

Solar Panels are Safe to Install and Maintain.

Solar panels are designed with safety in mind, making them a secure option for your property. The installation process adheres to strict safety standards, ensuring that the panels are securely mounted on your roof or property and connected to your electrical system. Additionally, solar panels do not produce any noise or emit harmful emissions during their operation, making them a silent and environmentally safe energy solution. With proper maintenance and regular inspections, solar panels can provide clean and safe energy for many years.

Property Owners Can Claim Enticing Tax Benefits for Installing Solar Panels.

As we briefly mentioned above, investing in solar panels for your property can also bring significant tax benefits. We’ll focus on what’s available in New Jersey, as that’s where our solar experts are located. The federal residential solar energy credit, for example, allows you to claim a percentage of the solar PV system’s cost as a tax credit. The exact percentage varies depending on the installation year. Fortunately, all installations that began in 2022 can receive a 30% tax credit, and this extends all the way to 2032. Even if your installation began earlier than 2022, this tax credit can still provide substantial savings on your federal income taxes. Additionally, there is the NJ Solar Sales Tax Exemption, a 100% sales tax exemption on all major solar equipment you buy for your property, which means you save 7% upfront. Did we mention all taxpayers are eligible for this incentive?

Safe and Affordable Solar Panel Installations in New Jersey

By choosing solar panels for your property, you not only enjoy the economic benefits of solar energy, but also contribute to a cleaner and greener future. Green House Solar, a trusted and experienced solar installation company in New Jersey, can help you navigate the process of installing solar panels and take advantage of the available tax incentives. Our team of knowledgeable professionals will guide you through every step, from design to installation, ensuring a high-quality and reliable solar energy system for your property.

To learn more about the advantages of solar panels, book a consultation with us today or visit our website.

Many homeowners are harnessing the power of the sun and installing home solar systems in NJ. It helps now that there are many incentives available to homeowners to more easily power their homes with free, clean, renewable energy. But you might be asking yourself: is solar power really worth it? In this article, our residential solar team discusses the basics, including why solar power might be the right choice for your home.

The Cost of Solar Panels

The largest cost you’ll incur with solar panels is the initial installation fee. Depending on the size of your residential solar system, it can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $100,000, however there are federal tax incentives you can claim to mitigate this cost – we’ll discuss them more below.

The payback period, meaning the period of time it usually takes to recoup the solar installation costs, is around six to ten years depending on your home’s energy needs, and we estimate that the average home saves between $50 – $190 a month on their energy bills once their solar system is up and running.

Is Your Roof Suitable for Solar Panels?

The shape, angle, direction, and size of your roof will be big determining factors on whether or not you can install a home solar system. While many roofs are suitable for supporting solar panels, if yours isn’t, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a solar system. Many solar technicians install solar panels elsewhere around the homeowner’s property when the roof isn’t suitable.

Solar Tax Incentives

There is a 30% federal tax credit available to people who install residential solar panels, and many states have other tax incentives and rebates available. You can check this database to see what’s available in your state. This is a big step in the right direction, and we expect the federal and state governments to continue doing more to help homeowners cover installation costs in the future.

Your Energy Consumption

Solar panels are best for homes that have high energy consumption. A single person living alone in a small house won’t benefit as much from solar panels as a family of five living in a suburban home. If your family uses a lot of energy on a daily basis and you’ve noticed your energy bills continuing to increase, solar panels would be a more energy efficient and cost effective alternative for you.

If you’d like to talk with one of our professionals about why solar power is worth it, or if you have any questions about the installation process, please contact our team at Green House Solar today. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you with your solar needs. https://greenhouse.solar/

Solar technology is evolving quickly, and there are several different types of innovative solar panels you can expect to see more of in the near future. While solar panels themselves are not exactly a new technology, their prevalence among homeowners is relatively new within the last few decades. As the need for clean, renewable energy continues to grow, so will the various futuristic solar options. Here are a few you can watch out for.

Solar Skins

A solar skin is a piece of thin material that produces an electrical current when it’s exposed to sunlight. Think of it as a piece of saran wrap that you can wrap around an object, like a cell phone for example. Solar skins can be applied to almost any surface – cars, the outside of a home, a motorized scooter – and they generate power for the object they’re wrapped around. Soon you may be able to buy a solar skin to charge your phone in the sun!

Floating Solar Farms

Floating solar farms are clusters of solar panels installed on the surface of lakes, industrial ponds, reservoirs, and other bodies of water near coastal areas. Land is both limited and expensive, so utilizing water to generate renewable energy is an excellent alternative. Portugal is home to Europe’s largest floating solar park, located on the Alqueva reservoir, and it supplies the nearby towns with a third of its power.

Solar Power Street Lights

Did you know that it can cost millions of dollars per year to keep street lights illuminated using electricity from the grid? Solar power street lights are just one way that cities can reduce their dependency on non-renewable energy. Not to mention, a solar power street light has a lifespan of around 25 years, making it incredibly efficient.

Replacing the Grid With Solar Energy

If you’re interested in getting your home or business off the grid, investing in a solar system is the right choice. Despite the common misconception, your solar panels will still release energy to your building when it’s not sunny or when it’s dark outside, and solar accessories like batteries ensure your home stays powered around the clock.

As you can see, the future of solar is very exciting and full of possibilities! If you’d like to learn more about innovative solar panels, or if you have any residential or commercial solar questions, please give us a call or visit our website at: https://greenhouse.solar/

The History of Solar Power_ Where Did It Begin_

Although solar power is a relatively new concept, humans have been harnessing the power of the sun for centuries. From using magnifying glasses to start fires, to using mirrors and glass to generate warmth, mankind has been aware of the sun’s power for a very long time. However, the modern solar panels we see today are a little bit more involved. In this article we’ll explore when solar panels were invented, as well as several solar power milestones along the way.

When Were Solar Panels Invented?

In 1954, three employees of Bell Labs created the first silicon solar cells that converted sunlight into energy, and these employees were the first to discover that these silicon solar cells could use sunlight to power electrical devices for hours a day. This was a big breakthrough from previous solar technology, which mainly consisted of selenium.

Important Solar Events

1958: The Vanguard Satellite I was launched into space, becoming the first spacecraft to use a single-watt solar panel to power radios. By 1964, NASA had spacecraft that were entirely powered by solar systems.

1973: The University of Delaware built Solar One, the first solar residence that generated solar power and used it at night.

1979: President Jimmy Carter had solar panels installed on the roof of the White House, marking a turning point in public awareness about solar energy. President Barack Obama was the second US President to have solar panels installed at the White House in 2010.

Solar Power Today

Home solar systems are much more affordable today than they were in decades past. We now know how important it is to slow climate change, and the government has created several programs and tax incentives designed to encourage homeowners to invest in solar systems.

Political Problems

In the past, oil and gas crises have demonstrated the need for the general population to have access to free and renewable energy. The US imports some of its oil from other countries, and instances like oil embargos created soaring prices, depleting supplies for consumers across the country.

As you can see, although solar panels are a fairly recent invention, the history of solar power goes back quite a way, and its role in our society continues to become more important as we try to slow climate change. For more information, or if you have any questions about solar panel installation, please contact our team at Green House Solar in NJ. You could also visit our website at: https://greenhouse.solar/

If you use solar panels to generate electricity for your home or business, you’ve probably heard of net metering, but do you know how it works? Solar systems have become much more affordable over the last decade, and with a range of financial incentives and tax credits available, many people are choosing to use solar power and net metering for their energy needs. When you have a solar system you can opt in to net metering, but what exactly is it, and what are the pros and cons? Let’s take a look.

What Is Net Metering?

Net metering, sometimes called net energy metering (NEM), is when someone who privately owns their solar panels gives any excess energy generated to the electric grid. So if on a sunny day your solar system generates more electricity than your home or business can utilize, the excess electricity is fed back to the grid and the customer builds up a surplus. At night or on a cloudy day, they can draw on that surplus and get the power they need from the grid. Customers enrolled in this program are only billed for the net amount of power that they use, which in some cases means no charges at all.

To use net metering you must be connected to the grid, which the majority of people who have solar systems are. If you want to determine if you’re eligible to opt in to net metering, please contact your solar installer and they’ll be able to explain your local regulations.

The Pros of Net Metering

Increased control over your energy bills. Once you start paying closer attention to how much energy you’re using on a regular basis, you can be more mindful about not leaving lights on when you don’t need them, or not leaving your hot water running unnecessarily.
Reduced demand on the grid. Sending your excess energy to the grid means there is less reliance on non-renewable energy.

The Cons of Net Metering

It isn’t available everywhere. Most states in the US currently mandate net metering, but not all of them do. That’s why it’s important to ask your local solar installer about the regulations for the state you reside in.
It requires being connected to the grid. If you’re completely off the grid, you won’t be eligible for net metering. You must be connected to your local power grid in order to send excess energy to it.

For more information about how you can use net metering with your home solar system, or if you have any other questions about solar panels, please contact our team at Green House Solar today or visit us at: https://greenhouse.solar/

People across the United States are growing increasingly interested in solar power and other renewable sources of energy. Solar systems are now more common, more affordable, and more efficient than they were several decades ago. To boot, the U.S. government has passed several pieces of legislation that offer tax credits and other incentives for people who install home solar systems.

While a solar system is made up of many components, the solar power inverter is perhaps the most crucial. So what is this piece of equipment, and how does it work? Let’s take a look.

What Is a Solar Power Inverter?

A solar power inverter is a type of electric converter that takes the direct current electricity generated by your solar panels and converts it into alternating current. Alternating current is the standard flow of electricity used by domestic appliances and electric circuits. Essentially, it turns sunlight into renewable power for your home.

How Solar Power Inverters Operate in Your Home Solar System

When the sun shines down onto your solar panels, they absorb the light and send the energy to the photovoltaic cells. This energy produces direct current, which is then sent directly to the inverter. From there, the energy will be converted into alternating current then sent into your home or stored in a solar battery.

Types of Solar Power Inverters

Battery inverters: A battery inverter is a good choice if you need to fit your inverter into an existing solar system, or if you want your battery to be in a separate spot than your solar panels.
Microinverters: Microintervers are about the size of a small book, making them a convenient option if space is a concern. You’ll need one microinverter per solar panel, and each inverter optimizes one solar panel efficiently. Due to their many advantages, Green House Solar designs the vast majority of our systems with microinverters.
String inverters: String inverters are another choice for residential solar systems, and they’re called this because they’re connected to a string of solar panels.
Central inverters: The largest type of inverter, a central inverter is used for commercial or industrial purposes, in systems that require hundreds of kilowatts of volume.

Are Solar Power Inverters Weather Proof?

Certain solar inverters are weatherproof, while certain types aren’t. The placement of your solar inverter is important, and if you need extra protection from the weather we recommend installing a weather-proof cage. Speak with your solar installer to learn more about which solar inverters are weatherproof, and which choice is best for your property.

If you’d like more information about solar power inverters, to learn which one would operate best with your home solar system, please contact our team at Green House Solar today or visit us at: https://greenhouse.solar/