In 2023, the average electricity cost for New Jersey residential customers was $17.51 per kilowatt-hour. This makes the average monthly energy bill for residential customers in New Jersey total $112.39.For commercial customers, it was $13.73 per kilowatt-hour, and for industrial customers, it was $11.42 per kilowatt-hour. Understanding this baseline cost is crucial for solar panel installation in NJ.

The average installation cost of solar panels in New Jersey is approximately $2.95 per watt.For a regular household consuming an average of 691 kilowatt-hours per month in South New Jersey, the solar panel installation cost for a 6.5 kW system averages $13,750 before factoring in state incentives.Factors influencing costs include system size, solar panel brand, solar installation company, and additional expenses like permitting and interconnecting costs. 

In New Jersey, solar systems are categorized into “Grid-Supply” and “Behind-the-Meter” systems, with a focus on Behind-the-Meter installations. You need to consider the electricity generation needs to determine the optimal size needed.Collaborate with the installation contractor and obtain a 12-month report from the utility company detailing electricity consumption. On average, a solar system for a 1,500 square foot house in New Jersey produces around 1,200 kilowatt-hours per year for each installed kilowatt, averaging around 15-20 panels.

It is best to calculate the estimated panel payback period, typically ranging from 7 to 13 years, with an average of around ten years.Considering unique household variables, achieving a payback period below 25 years indicates potential long-term savings, making it worthwhile to explore New Jersey solar panel sales and installation through local professionals who can offer a thorough home assessment and a free solar quote.

Indeed, securing a permit is necessary for both residential solar panel installation in New Jersey and commercial building solar panel installation in the state. Partnering with Green House Solar can expedite the permitting process for both homeowners and businesses.

No, New Jersey does not have official programs that give homeowners free solar panels. Instead, the state provides various tax exemptions and incentives to reduce the initial costs of installing solar panels in New Jersey.

New Jersey incentivizes solar adoption through tax incentives and rebates, with the Successor Solar Incentive (SuSI) program playing a pivotal role. SuSI offers solar renewable energy certificates (SREC-II), providing a guaranteed payment of $90 for each SREC-II earned over 15 years for residential solar panel installations.The program includes the Administratively Determined Incentive (ADI) for residential and smaller non-residential projects and the Competitive Solar Incentive (CSI) for larger projects and those paired with solar batteries or energy storage systems, further driving solar energy production in the state.

The options for the customer typically include transferring the agreement to the new homeowner, moving the solar system to a new home at their expense, or opting to purchase the system or pre-pay the remaining lease/PPA payments, often incurring significant costs.