One of the biggest challenges facing a homeowner attempting to implement solar power may be the starting cost. Solar panels produce more than enough power over their lifetimes to pay for the cost of acquiring and installing them, but paying for ten years or more worth of power at one time is a challenging financial task for the average homeowner. Solar tax incentives such as NJ solar incentives are designed to help decrease that burden by simply subsidizing or offsetting some of the primary cost.
The state leading the way in solar tax incentives is undeniably California. They started the California Solar Initiative. The initiative was signed by the governor in 2006, paving how for a goal of 3,000 megawatts of solar generated electricity in that state by the program's conclusion. It was the most driven program of its kind in the us. Other countries, for example Germany and France have a more robust system of rebates, incentives, and subsidies in place.
The largest difference between European programs and the US solar tax incentives is that European countries implemented net metering. Net metering allows homes with solar, wind, or other alternative energy generators to remain connected to grid power. If those homes produce much more power during their productive hours than they will use during their off hours, the power company needs to pay the property owner for excess power.
In the US, net metering has yet to take extensive hold, but when it does, it will supply another compelling cause to switch to solar power. Imagine if instead of a bill from your power company each month, you got a check instead!
