Solar Jobs Census: A Bright Future for Home Solar Installations in New Jersey
This article is presented by MaxeonEnergy, a leading solar installer and provider in the state of New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. MaxeonEnergy is committed to delivering high-quality solar solutions for homeowners and businesses, with a focus on customer satisfaction, safety and environmental responsibility.
Solar energy is one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States, providing clean, affordable and reliable power to millions of homes and businesses. According to the 13th annual National Solar Jobs Census, published by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), the U.S. solar industry employs 263,883 workers as of 2022, an increase of 3.5% or 8,846 jobs compared to 2021.
The solar jobs census tracks solar jobs data nationwide and in all 50 states, based on a confidential survey of thousands of solar employers across the country. It also features in-depth analysis on jobs by market segment, demographics and workforce development trends.
New Jersey: A Leader in Solar Jobs Growth
New Jersey is one of the top states for solar jobs growth, ranking fourth in the nation with a total of 9,876 solar workers as of 2022, an increase of 5.1% or 476 jobs compared to 2021. New Jersey also ranks fifth in the nation for solar jobs per capita, with 11.1 solar workers per 10,000 residents.
The majority of New Jersey’s solar jobs are in the installation and project development sector, which employs 6,784 workers as of 2022, an increase of 7.4% or 468 jobs compared to 2021. This sector includes residential, commercial and utility-scale solar installations, as well as related services such as engineering, design, permitting and financing.
The residential market is the strongest growth sector in New Jersey, accounting for 4,362 jobs or 44.2% of the state’s total solar workforce as of 2022. This reflects the high demand for home solar installations in New Jersey, driven by several factors such as:
The state’s ambitious renewable energy goals, which require 50% of electricity to come from renewable sources by 2030 and 100% by 2050.
The state’s generous solar incentives, such as the Transition Renewable Energy Certificate (TREC) program, which provides a fixed payment for every kilowatt-hour of solar electricity generated for 15 years.
The state’s net metering policy, which allows homeowners to sell excess solar electricity back to the grid at retail rates.
The federal investment tax credit (ITC), which offers a 26% deduction from the cost of installing a solar system until the end of 2023.
Benefits of Home Solar Installations for Installers and Homeowners
Home solar installations offer multiple benefits for both installers and homeowners in New Jersey. For installers, home solar installations provide a steady source of income and employment opportunities, as well as a chance to contribute to the state’s clean energy transition and climate action. For homeowners, home solar installations provide a way to save money on electricity bills, increase property value, reduce carbon footprint and achieve energy independence.
According to a recent study by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), home solar installations can increase property value by an average of $15,000 across six states, including New Jersey. The study also found that home buyers are willing to pay more for homes with solar systems than for comparable homes without them.
Another study by LBNL estimated that home solar installations can save homeowners an average of $1,075 per year on electricity bills across six states, including New Jersey. The study also found that home solar installations can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 3.9 metric tons per year per household across six states, equivalent to taking one car off the road for a year.
Government Participation and Insurance Firms
The government plays an important role in supporting and promoting home solar installations in New Jersey. In addition to setting renewable energy goals and providing solar incentives, the government also regulates and oversees the solar industry through various agencies and programs, such as:
The Board of Public Utilities (BPU), which administers the TREC program, approves net metering tariffs and establishes interconnection standards.
The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), which enforces environmental laws and regulations related to solar projects.
The Clean Energy Program (CEP), which offers rebates, grants and loans for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
The Office of Clean Energy Equity (OCEE), which aims to increase access and affordability of clean energy for low- and moderate-income communities.
Insurance firms also play a role in facilitating and protecting home solar installations in New Jersey. Homeowners who install solar systems may need to update their homeowners insurance policies to cover the value and liability of their systems. Some insurance companies may offer discounts or special coverage for solar systems, while others may require additional premiums or inspections. Homeowners should consult with their insurance agents or brokers before installing solar systems to understand their options and obligations.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Home Solar Installations in New Jersey
Home solar installations are a booming industry in New Jersey, creating thousands of jobs, saving money for homeowners, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing the state’s clean energy goals. With the support of the government, the incentives of the market and the protection of the insurance firms, home solar installations have a bright future in New Jersey.
If you are interested in installing a solar system for your home or business, contact Maxeon Energy today for a free consultation and quote. Maxeon Energy is a trusted and experienced solar installer and provider in the state of New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality solar solutions for customers. Visit www.maxeonenergy.com to learn more.
Solar Jobs Census - Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) : New Jersey Clean Energy Program - Renewable Energy : New Jersey Board of Public Utilities | Solar Transition : New Jersey Board of Public Utilities | Net Metering & Interconnection : Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) | SEIA : Selling Into the Sun: Price Premium Analysis of a Multi-State Dataset of Solar Homes : Exploring California PV Home Premiums : New Jersey Board of Public Utilities | About Us : NJDEP-Office of Permit Coordination and Environmental Review (OPCER) : New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program : Office of Clean Energy Equity (OCEE) - NJBPU : Homeowners Insurance for Solar Panels | QuoteWizard