Question 1

How long does solar take from signing to activation?

Accepted Answer

Most NJ residential installs take 8–14 weeks from signed contract to Permission to Operate (PTO). The physical installation is 1–2 days; the remainder is permitting and utility review — regulatory steps we handle but cannot accelerate.

Question 2

Will my roof leak after solar installation?

Accepted Answer

Not with the flashings we use. We install QuickMount PV or equivalent on every roof penetration — these carry their own 25-year warranty against leaks and are pre-approved by the major shingle manufacturers. Our 25-year workmanship warranty covers installation integrity beyond that.

Question 3

Do solar panels work on cloudy days?

Accepted Answer

Yes, at reduced output — typically 10–25% of peak production on a heavily overcast day, 50–70% on a partly cloudy day. Annual production figures already account for typical NJ cloud cover. On snow-covered days, production is near zero until the snow sheds, which happens quickly on smooth panel glass once temperatures rise.

Question 4

What happens to my solar during a power outage?

Accepted Answer

By default, grid-tied solar systems shut down during a utility outage (anti-islanding protection — required by code to prevent back-feeding energized lines that line workers are repairing). To have power during an outage, you need a battery backup system. We install Enphase IQ Battery, Tesla Powerwall, and Generac PWRcell.

Question 5

Do I need to clean my panels?

Accepted Answer

Rarely. Normal rain handles 95% of residential soiling. We recommend professional cleaning every 3–5 years, or more often if your panels are in a dusty environment (near construction, unpaved roads, heavy tree pollen). We offer cleaning as part of our maintenance service.

Question 6

What NJ incentives am I eligible for?

Accepted Answer

The 30% federal Residential Clean Energy Credit, NJ's SuSI (SREC-II) program (15-year production income), NJ sales tax exemption on equipment, and NJ property tax exemption on solar-added home value. Full detail on our financing & incentives page.

Question 7

Which utility serves my address?

Accepted Answer

The four major NJ utilities in our service area are PSE&G (Middlesex, Mercer, parts of Burlington, parts of Somerset), JCP&L (Monmouth, Ocean, parts of Hunterdon, parts of Somerset), Atlantic City Electric (Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, parts of Burlington), and Rockland Electric (far north only). We confirm your utility as part of the initial site evaluation.

Question 8

How does NJ net metering work?

Accepted Answer

Excess solar production is credited to your utility bill at the full retail rate on a monthly basis. Any accumulated annual credit is settled at the utility's avoided-cost rate (lower than retail). Systems sized up to 100% of prior-12-month usage qualify.

Question 9

Do I have to pay for the interconnection?

Accepted Answer

There is a small utility application fee (varies by utility, typically under $200) and occasionally an external disconnect switch cost for larger systems. We include both in our proposal — no surprise fees.

Question 10

Will my HOA let me install solar?

Accepted Answer

New Jersey state law (N.J.S.A. 45:22A-48.2) limits HOA authority to restrict solar installations. Your HOA can require aesthetic considerations (placement, color) but cannot effectively prohibit solar. We've handled HOA approval processes across many NJ communities and can guide you through it.

Question 11

How much does solar cost in New Jersey?

Accepted Answer

Most residential systems range $18,000–$32,000 gross before incentives. After the 30% federal credit and sales-tax savings, net cost typically lands in the $11,000–$20,000 range. With $0-down financing, most customers pay nothing up front.

Question 12

What's the typical payback period?

Accepted Answer

For NJ residential systems sized correctly to your usage, payback is commonly 5–8 years when accounting for bill savings + SuSI income + federal tax credit. Shore homes with high cooling loads often payback in under 6 years.

Question 13

What's the 25-year return look like?

Accepted Answer

A typical 8 kW residential system saves roughly $40,000–$55,000 over 25 years in combined bill savings and SuSI income, net of finance costs — assuming NJ utility rates continue their historical 3–4% annual escalation.

Question 14

Is solar still worth it if I'm moving in 3 years?

Accepted Answer

Owned solar systems typically add value at resale (research from Lawrence Berkeley Lab and Zillow supports this). But the biggest financial return shows up when you own the system for 10+ years. If you're selling in 3 years, the math is tighter — we'll walk you through it honestly.

Questions, answered plainly.

How solar actually works.

Questions specific to NJ.

Money questions.

You've seen the numbers.
Now turn sunlight into savings.