Atlantic City takes a shine to solar energy

The state of solar in Atlantic City

Atlantic City sees about 203 sunny days per year.^*Best Places. Climate in Atlantic City. April 2021. While that's just below the national average of 205 sunny days, roughly 76% of the city's rooftops are still solar viable.^*Source: Google, Project Sunroof data explorer (November 2018). A point that's sure to help Atlantic City reach its goal of running on 100% clean energy by 2050. Atlantic City is also a member of the coalition of Mayors for 100% Clean Energy.

How much solar energy does Atlantic City produce?

While Atlantic City is much better known for its massive wind turbines and doesn't track its solar installations, the city does have several large solar projects.

The Atlantic City Convention Center hosts the largest single rooftop solar array in the U.S. It contains 13,000 solar PV panels, covers upwards of 290,000 square feet, and has a capacity of 2.36 MW. The Wave Parking Garage has a 400 kW rooftop solar array,^*The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority. What's New In Atlantic City: The Wave Parking Garage & Mixed Use Center. April 2021. and the Atlantic County Utilities Authority runs a 500 kW array to power Atlantic City's wastewater treatment plant.^*Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA). Solar Project. April 2021.

What are the advantages of going solar in Atlantic City?

According to Solar New Jersey, electricity rates in the state have increased 62% in the last decade and are projected to continue rising.^*Solar New Jersey. How Much Could Solar Save You?. April 2021. However, the cost of solar has decreased 45% over the last five years.^*Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). New Jersey Solar. Q4 2020. In short, solar power has the potential to offer significant electricity cost savings.

A 5 kW solar system could offer savings as high as $36,000 over 20 years and may pay for itself within six to seven years. If you sign up for a net metering program, you might even be able to break even earlier.^*Net metering utility credits and incentives vary by location and are subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information.

Net metering allows you to transfer any excess energy your solar system generates back to Atlantic City Electric for a credit on your account. You can use this credit to offset grid usage during times your solar system doesn’t meet all your energy needs, such as at night or on cloudy days.

On top of the financial advantages, solar power is also carbon-neutral and is one way to help reduce carbon emissions in our community.

How much does solar cost in Atlantic City?

The cost of a home solar system can vary, even in the same city, due to a range of factors. These include:

• System size

• Local weather

• Quality of solar panels

• Labor and permit costs

To help you understand the price of going solar in your area, we've analyzed SunPower price quotes, as well as quotes gathered by third-party sources for thousands of homeowners across the country.^*Local Solar Installers 2020/2021, Solar Reviews 2021, Energy Sage 2021, Wood Mackenzie 2020, National Renewable Energy Laboratory 2020 In New Jersey, we found that the cost of installing a 5 kW solar system ranges from $14,700 to $22,000, or in other words, from $2.94 to $4.40 per watt. And that's before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.

You may be able to take advantage of the 26% solar tax credit as well as New Jersey’s Transition Incentive Program.^*Tax credits subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information. For each MW of power your solar PV system produces, you’ll earn one Transition Renewable Energy Certificate (TREC) worth $92.20. A 5 kW solar system could earn around $456 a year for up to 15 years with this program.

What’s the best way to go solar in Atlantic City?

The first step in the solar installation process is to plan your system. You’ll need to evaluate your energy needs, available unshaded roof space, and budget, as well as consider whether you want to simply meet your energy needs or exceed them to earn additional TRECs.

A reputable solar provider can help you with all the above with a comprehensive consultation. You'll have a chance to ask any questions you may have and should receive a system design, price quote, monthly electricity cost savings estimate, and an overview of any incentives or tax credits you might qualify for.

Get started now by requesting a free consultation. We'll follow up to schedule a convenient time to discuss the best solar and battery storage options for your home. You can also call us directly at (800) 786-7693.