SOMA

Now, anyone can purchase solar energy without the need for expensive installations on your home! If you’re a renter, condo-dweller, or own a home with a shaded roof, NJ’s state-backed Community Solar program was tailor-made for you. That said, even single-family home owners can join in, as long as you don’t have solar panels already installed on your roof. Community Solar customers can “subscribe” to a portion of a commercial solar installation and receive a credit on their electricity bill for the electricity generated by their share of the array....

Intro to Induction Stoves Induction Stoves are the healthiest, most efficient, and most environmentally friendly way to cook meals. They cook faster, release no pollutants or direct emissions, are easier to clean and waste less heat when compared to gas stoves. Actions you can take right now: Confirm you have electrical capacity for an induction stove. If you already have an electric stove, you’re good to go. If you’re switching off gas, get some quotes from a licensed electrician on the cost to run a new electrical line from your panel to your stove and to install a 240V outlet....

Intro to Heat Pump Clothes Dryers If you’re thinking about electrifying your home, the heat pump clothes dryer is one of the most underrated upgrades you can make. Heat pump clothes dryers are an advanced type of electric dryer that uses dramatically less energy than conventional electric dryers. They’re gentler on your clothes, avoid burning fossil fuels, and don’t require a vent to the outside of your home. The creator of Our World in Data estimates that heat pump dryers are 55% more efficient than conventional vented dryers....

Installing rooftop solar can help homeowners save on electricity bills over time and provide greater energy resilience — as well as helping combat climate change. Thanks to sharp declines in the cost of panels, and government incentives, getting solar now makes financial sense for many homeowners. If you don’t have these on your roof yet, there is no better time to look into it! Actions you can take right now: Find out whether your house is suitable for rooftop solar, and how much energy it can produce....

Heat Pump Water Heaters (HPWHs) are the most energy-efficient water heaters on the market. Like many other water heaters, HPWHs use a large tank to store hot water that is available whenever you need it. However unlike other water heaters, HPWHs transfer heat from the surrounding air instead of creating it with fuel or electricity, saving energy! HPWHs are more efficient than tankless water heaters, which use a tremendous amount of energy to instantly heat water when needed....

EVs offer much greater efficiency than internal combustion vehicles, as they use only a fraction of the energy. Now is a great time to consider a new or used EV with incentives available from the government as well as from PSE&G. EV technologies have advanced quickly in recent years, which has dramatically extended their driving range and charging speed. Actions you can take right now: If you don’t already own an EV and are thinking about replacing an internal combustion engine vehicle:...

Intro to Heat Pump HVAC Ever wanted to replace your window A/C units with something that’s quieter, more efficient and doesn’t obstruct your windows? Or are you looking to reduce your emissions by reducing your use of gas or oil for heating? Heat Pumps offer superior energy-efficiency compared to furnaces and air conditioners. You may have seen them at your neighbors’ homes around SOMA. Don’t be fooled by the word “heat” in the name - Heat Pumps can both heat and cool your homes....

Intro to Weatherization Weatherization is any improvement aimed at sealing or insulating a home to maximize its energy efficiency and comfort. Weatherization can reduce the cost of heating and cooling, improve comfort, and cut greenhouse gas emissions. Many of our older SOMA homes are drafty and have limited insulation. Heat leaks through the home’s outer walls, windows, doors, and other openings. A well-sealed home envelope, coupled with the right amount of insulation, can make a difference on both utility bills and your quality of life....

EVs offer much greater efficiency than other vehicles. They use only a fraction of the energy that other vehicles use, which means cost savings and less air pollution in our community. Now is a great time to consider a new or used EV with incentives from the state and federal governments, public utilities, and technologies that have dramatically extended the range and charging speed of EVs. Actions you can take right now If you already own an EV, including a Plug-in Hybrid: Visit PSEG’s EV Charging Program to see if you qualify for their off-peak charging credit, which may cut your charging costs in half!...

Installing rooftop solar can help homeowners save on electricity bills over time and provide greater energy resilience — as well as helping combat climate change. Thanks to sharp declines in the cost of panels, and government incentives, getting solar now makes financial sense for many homeowners. If you don’t have these on your roof yet, there is no better time to look into it! Actions you can take right now If you already have solar: Share your story with neighbors....