New Jersey solar 101: must read before you buy solar panels

Last updated 12.01.21

New Jersey State 54 solar panels available

  • $2.38 / W Average gross price of a solar power system as of May 2023
  • 8 years Average system payback period
  • $44 114 Average savings from going solar in New Jersey
  • 8 ¢ / kWh Levelized cost of solar energy
  • 4.41 kW Recommended system size
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New Jersey #32 in the US
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There are 3 fulfillment centers in New Jersey
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Riverton, NJ8 items 176 mi
Pickup on Wed, May 31
Mon-Fri 9 am - 3.30 pm
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Bordentown, NJ5 items 194 mi
Pickup on Wed, May 31
Mon-Fri 9 am - 3.30 pm
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Cranbury, NJ12 items 214 mi
Pickup on Wed, May 31
Mon-Fri 9 am - 3.30 pm
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What our happy customers say

I was in need of new solar panels and found A1 SolarStore while surfing the web. I ordered 13 pieces of REC 360W solar panels at a fairly reasonable price, and also ordered their liftgate service at checkout. everything was very easy and intuitive. I highly recommend A1 SolarStore!
Jesse Tang
Via Google
May 22, 2023
I recently purchased 10 pieces of Q CELLS 480W Solar Panels from A1 SolarStore. The site was incredibly easy to navigate and I found exactly what I wanted without any trouble. They had different payment options, which was great for me. Now I'm just counting down the days until my panels arrive. Overall, I will definitely be buying from them again.
Steve L
Via Google
May 22, 2023
Store was well organized, staff was super friendly and shipping was speedy.
Karen
Via Google
May 16, 2023
I have been looking for affordable, quality solar panels for a while! After some research I decided to purchase the Trina 390w solar panels. I loved the price and the customer service & decided to buy with a1solarstore. Even though there was a $275 shipping fee. Was worth it to me to receive the quality product in once piece. Payment processing took a while & could have gone faster - however, totally worth the wait!
Kara J
Via Google
May 9, 2023
The customer service at A1 solar is nothing short of amazing. A person can buy their equipment anywhere and receive that equipment with no support following whatsoever. A1 solar was with me all the way through the purchase process, the acquiring my panels at a distribution center, and finally giving me a discount for the pallet breakage charge because the pallet was already broken up. No other Solar company has given me such excellent customer service. Add that the prices are lower if not similar than the rest, buying from A1 solar is a real no brainer. I am very grateful and lucky to have found them!
Robert Sullivan
Via Google
Apr 27, 2023
The Silfab 490W Solar Panel (156 Cell SIL-490-HN) exceeded my expectations with its exceptional power output and sleek design. Its efficient monocrystalline cells make it a reliable and smart investment for any home. Highly recommended!
M
Via Google
Apr 25, 2023

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Solar laws, incentives and rebates in New Jersey you need to know

Save 30% of your PV system cost with Federal Solar Tax Credit

The US government wants more people to go solar: it’s a modern and green way of getting energy. This is why the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) program was developed. It allows American citizens to claim 30% of the cost of their installation as an income tax deduction. The cost here is not only solar panels, but also shipping, installation expenses and more. For example, if your system overall made you spend $10,000, the government returns you $3,000. To claim the ITC, complete all the necessary forms and submit them when filing your taxes.

Sell excess electricity with Net Metering Program

Solar laws in New Jersey allow customers of investor-owned utilities and electric cooperatives to join Net Metering programs that can help offset their future bills. Annually you will receive credit on your utility bill at wholesale value from any excess generation. Then, your balance will be zeroed out and a new cycle will begin. 

There are four main electric utilities regulated by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, which offer net metering by state mandate:

  • Jersey Central Power & Light
  • Atlantic City Electric
  • Rockland Electric
  • PSE&G

They are all pretty similar to each other, including the same application fees. The interconnection fee is not charged if your solar system size is not more than 10kW (otherwise, you’ll have to pay $50, plus $1/kW of system capacity or $100, plus $2/kW if connection to the grid will require special equipment). They also all have restricted areas for net metering, so some jurisdictions may not be able to connect to the grid. Find contacts of the utilities above and their latest interconnection forms here.

Save more than $1,000 a year trading TRECs

Installing a solar energy system also gives you the possibility to gain Transition Renewable Energy Certificates (TRECs) for each MWh of generated solar power. Unlike with Net Metering, you don’t need to sell any electricity to get credits. There is one platform in New Jersey that allows you to store and sell them: GATS. You have to create an account on its website to be able to transfer TRECs to the TREC Administrator. Homeowners installing residential rooftop or ground-mounted solar panel systems can earn $ 91.20 per TREC. That means if you install a 10kW system that generates 12 MWh each year, you can make about $1,000 yearly by selling your TRECs. Take a look at these detailed FAQs for further information.

Raise your property value but not your taxes 

New Jersey residents invested in a solar energy system will not have to pay any additional property taxes on the added value they bring to their homes. New Jersey Revised Statutes ensure any new PV system installed will not be part of your property tax. However, any such home improvement will definitely make it about 4% more valuable on the property market, says the 2019 Zillow report. In order to claim the exemption, property owners must apply for a certificate from their local assessor which is able to reduce the assessed value of their property to what it would be without the renewable energy system.

Protect your solar panels from shade with Solar Easements

A solar easement contract is a written agreement between you and another party, for example, your neighbor. This type of contract helps to ensure that your PV system will always have adequate sun exposure, protecting you from potential obstacles. It is voluntary, but can not be canceled unless a specific clause is included in the document. Once signed, it is tied to the land, not the owner. Any such agreement must be created in written form and must meet the general requirements for legal contracts.

Install your solar panels in New Jersey with no worries

It is legal to install solar panels on your house in New Jersey. There is statewide legislation that makes it unlawful to restrict the installation of solar PV systems, but it’s best to contact your homeowner’s association (HOAs) to be certain of any regulations that may be in your area. You may have to submit your project for approval before changing the exterior of your house.

§45:22A-48.2
New Jersey Revised Statutes

Solar panels help New Jerseyans survive hurricanes

Located right on the east coast, New Jersey residents should always be prepared for a hurricane. In 2012, Hurricane Sandy left over 2 million households without power across New Jersey. Utilities were only restored 10 days after the outages leaving 95% of customers without power. Solar panels are manufactured to withstand most hurricanes, so those who had PV systems installed were on the safer side. As stated by the Environmental Protection Agency our climate is changing and natural disasters are becoming more frequent. It means that by powering your home with solar energy, you will no longer have to worry about blackouts.

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