Solar energy has become more accessible than every in New Jersey, especially with the enticing incentives available. With the introduction of GAF Solar Shingles, New Jersey homeowners now have even more options. However, one crucial question often arises: when is the best time to install GAF solar shingles in South Jersey? Let’s explore the significance of choosing the correct season for your GAF Solar Shingles installation in South Jersey, including certain factors, like financial incentives, energy production, and availability of contractors.
Key Takeaways
- Cost Savings: Opting for off-peak seasons, such as early fall to spring, can result in lower installation costs, making solar energy more financially attractive for South Jersey homeowners.
- Financial Incentives: Many financial incentive programs have specific deadlines, often at the end of the year. Installing GAF Solar Shingles before year-end ensures eligibility for incentives like the Federal Investment Tax Credit and state tax incentives.
- Energy Production: Installing solar shingles during seasons like spring and early summer allows for maximum sunlight exposure, leading to higher electricity production. This can help homeowners accumulate solar credits to offset energy costs during months with less sunlight.
- Reduced Wait Time: Summer is the peak season for solar companies, leading to extended wait times, especially in densely populated areas. Choosing off-peak seasons can expedite your installation process.
Why is Choosing the Right Season is Significant for Your Solar Shingle Installation in South Jersey?
Selecting the optimal season for your solar panel installation in South Jersey can significantly impact various aspects of the process. Here is a closer look at why the season you select matters when installing solar shingles or solar panels:
Lower Solar Shingles Cost
Similar to moving companies, solar companies may charge higher installation fees during the peak summer season. Installing GAF Solar Shingles during the off-peak season can translate into cost savings for South Jersey homeowners.
Maximizing Your Energy Production and Solar Credits
South Jersey residents participating in programs like SREC (Solar Renewable Energy Certificates) or net metering can maximize their benefits by exposing solar panels to as much sunlight as possible before the winter months. More sunlight exposure results in higher electricity production, enabling homeowners to sell excess energy back to utility companies for solar credits. These credits can offset energy costs during months with less sunlight. Installing solar panels in the spring or early summer allows homeowners to accumulate solar credits before winter.
Lower Wait Times
Solar companies in South Jersey experience peak demand during the summer, resulting in longer wait times for installations, particularly in more populated areas. If you want a quicker installation, consider scheduling the installation of your GAF Solar Shingles during the off-season, which typically runs between early fall to spring.
Financial Incentive Programs
Many financial incentive programs, including the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and state tax incentives, have specific rollover and cutoff dates, typically at the end of the year. Installing solar panels too late may lead to ineligibility for certain incentives or rate changes in incentive programs. To maximize financial benefits from these programs, it’s advisable to complete your GAF Solar Shingle installation before the year’s end.
What Season is the Best to Install GAF Solar Shingles in South Jersey?
Each season in South Jersey has its unique advantages and disadvantages when it comes to GAF Solar Shingle installations:
Spring
Spring offers a favorable climate for solar shingle installation in South Jersey, being that the temperatures are more mild than winter or summer. This makes dealing with potential power outages caused by electrical system upgrades less disconcerting. Though the logistics of installation and subsequent inspections may consume some time, the refreshing spring temperatures compensate for any short-term inconveniences. Additionally, spring installations set the stage for efficient energy production during the forthcoming sun-drenched summer months.
Summer
As the peak season for the solar industry, summer brings a surge of advertising campaigns and peak panel efficiency. Solar shingles that are installed in the summer are optimally positioned to begin offsetting energy consumption right away. However, summer does bring with it some disadvantages. First, you may have to wait longer for your installation, since many homeowners choose to do home upgrades during the summer months. Furthermore, if you decide to switch to solar, you may have to deal with higher installation costs.
Fall
Fall inherits numerous advantages akin to spring, encompassing moderate temperatures, cost-effective installation fees, and abbreviated wait times. Fall installations typically boast quicker turnaround periods compared to spring and summer, as fewer homeowners opt for solar during this season.
The good news is that solar shingles and panels remain highly efficient in New Jersey during the fall, since this season tends to see ample sunshine. This can help you offset some of the installation costs, since you will be able to produce plenty of energy before winter. Fall is also the last window of opportunity for installations before incentives transition into the next year, potentially undergoing alterations or cessation.
Winter
Regrettably, winter emerges as the least opportune season for GAF Solar Shingle installations in South Jersey. While the cost of installation may trend lower during this season, the reduced energy production capabilities during winter months constitute a significant drawback. Homeowners must undertake preliminary maintenance to prepare their roofs for winter, which entails snow and ice removal and roof preparation. Additionally, filing for incentives during rollover periods can be intricate, adding complexity to winter installations.
Looking for a Solar Shingle Installer in South Jersey?
In South Jersey, there is no inherently bad time to install GAF Solar Shingles, as it’s a significant step toward lower energy bills, clean energy production, and improved home value. The choice of the ideal season depends on your preferences and priorities. If you prefer immediate energy savings and don’t mind longer wait times and slightly higher costs, summer installations are suitable. However, for shorter wait times and lower fees, spring or fall installations in South Jersey are advisable.
RGB Construction is a GAF Master Elite contractor with years of experience working with traditional roofing materials. We are among the first South Jersey contractors to offer GAF Solar Shingles to the region and take great pride in installing them on local homes. Give us a call today at 856-264-9093 to learn more about going solar with GAF Solar Shingles or to request a quote.
