Wind
Wind energy is a smart way for New Jersey residents, municipalities, farms, and businesses to reduce their carbon footprint, stabilize electric costs, preserve natural resources, and support the economy.
Note: We are continuing the temporary hold on new application acceptance and rebate commitments in the NJCEP Renewable Energy Incentive Program (REIP) for wind systems. Staff and the Market Managers will continue to research the consumer protections existing in other state wind incentive programs and utilitize recommendations from the NREL forensic study on the two turbine failures last year which prompted the temporary hold. The specific concern we are looking to address is what can be added to the program requirements that will:
- Ensure that all safeguards to public health and safety have been utilized, and
- Protect a consumer if they purchase and install a wind system that subsequently experiences a major failure not covered by warranty.
We thank you and appreciate your patience.
What is Wind Energy?
Wind is caused by the uneven heating of the earth's atmosphere by the sun. Wind energy can be converted to electricity when captured by the large blades that rotate a turbine.
Getting Started
New Jersey's Clean Energy ProgramTM makes it easy to get started by offering financial and technical assistance. The first step is to find a contractor. A list of wind energy contractors who have completed a minimum of three New Jersey-based projects can be found in the Trade Ally database. Certified Wind Site Assesors are also available to help you figure out if wind energy is right for you.
The second step is to submit an application package for your wind energy system. The wind preapplication includes equipment information that will be used to calculate the rebate.
Financing Your System
Rebates - The Renewable Energy Incentive Program (REIP) provides rebates that reduce the upfront cost of installing wind energy. Unlike solar or biopower, wind energy incentives are based on expected energy production, not capacity. The estimated performance of a specific turbine is determined by the height that the turbine is to be installed.
Tax Credits - A 30 percent federal investment tax credit may be available for residents on the net cost of the wind energy system. A 30 percent federal investment tax credit and an accelerated depreciation schedule may be available for businesses with wind energy systems on the gross cost of the system. Businesses with large wind energy systems may be eligible for a federal production tax credit. Speak with a tax specialist for more information.
Class 1 RECs - All renewable energy project owners in New Jersey with electric distribution grid -connected systems are eligible to generate Class 1 Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). RECs can be sold or traded separately from the power, providing system owners with a recurring source of revenue to help offset the cost of installation, operations, and maintenance.
Net Metering - This allows qualified customers to receive full retail credit for electric generation on an annual basis. Each year, on the anniversary of the system's interconnection, the customer will be compensated for any unused credit at the cost of wholesale power.
Small Wind Working Group and Small Wind Model Ordinance
New Jersey's Small Wind Working Group provides information and resources to those interested in learning about wind energy and financial incentives offered. With funding from the U.S. Department of Energy, the Small Wind Working Group developed the Small Wind Model Ordinance that is available to all municipalities to help facilitate the zoning and permitting process.