Solar in New Jersey
New Jersey, Lower Your Utility Bill with Solar
Considering going solar in New Jersey?
With some of the highest electricity rates in the country and a robust set of state incentives, New Jersey homeowners have much to gain from adopting solar energy. New Jersey's solar programs, such as the Solar Renewable Energy Credit II (SREC II) system, provide financial benefits for homeowners with owned systems, further enforcing solar as a smart long-term investment.
In addition to the SREC II program, New Jersey offers some of the most attractive solar incentives in the nation, further reducing the overall cost of installation for owned systems. Homeowners can also take advantage of high net metering rates, allowing them to earn credits for any excess energy their solar system produces. By investing in rooftop solar panels and home battery storage, New Jersey residents can reduce their reliance on the grid, protect themselves from rising utility rates, and ensure a reliable, eco-friendly energy source during power outages caused by storms or grid issues.
What are the upcoming changes to net metering for solar customers in New Jersey?
New Jersey is transitioning its net metering program to adapt to the state's evolving energy landscape. The current net metering system in New Jersey, which credits homeowners at retail rates for the excess energy their solar panels produce, will eventually shift toward a more market-based compensation model. Under the new structure, solar customers may receive energy credits at a rate closer to the (often lower) wholesale price rather than the full retail price. While these changes are still being phased in, homeowners considering solar power should act now to lock in the more favorable net metering benefits before further adjustments occur.
One way to potentially maximize cost savings amidst changing net metering policies is adding a backup battery. Backup batteries allow homeowners to store excess energy produced by solar panels. By storing your surplus energy on site, you can use your own energy at night, when peak rates are high, or if an outage occurs. With a battery you can avoid low-credit energy exports to the grid and instead use more of the power you produce.
Powering New Jersey: Easy Process. Better technology. Happy customers.
New Jersey, go solar with confidence
Upgrade your home with a solar panel system and battery storage. As one of the best solar companies in New Jersey & America’s #1 solar residential installer, Sunrun is ready to serve New Jersey residents with a rooftop solar system.
Sunrun Subscription Plan vs. solar panels ownership
Our solar lease subscription plan offers predictable, affordable rates for as little as $0 down in upfront costs, or you could purchase solar panels outright.
Sunrun Subscription Plan
Leasing solar panels
Benefits
- Predictable, affordable payments
- Protect against rising utility costs
- Extended Sunrun warranties including workmanship and energy production guarantee for life of contract, 10 year roof penetration warranty, 24/7 system monitoring
Who maintains?
- Sunrun owns and maintains
- Plan transfers to new owners if you sell your home
Payments
- $0 to little down
- Locked in monthly solar lease
Solar panels ownership
Purchasing solar panels
Benefits
- Own your system outright
- Protect against rising utility costs
- Manufacturer's equipment warranties, 10 year workmanship guarantee, and 10 year roof penetration warranty
Who maintains?
- I service and care for my system myself
- Transfers to new owners if you sell your home
Payments
- Full system cost (cash upfront)
A home battery system is more crucial now than ever in New Jersey
Power when you need it most
Stay comfortable through extreme weather
Control your energy costs effectively
New Jersey’s unpredictable weather can lead to sudden outages. Store your solar energy to keep essential appliances running smoothly, regardless of grid conditions.
With New Jersey experiencing more severe storms, hurricanes, and temperature swings, a home battery ensures your heating, cooling, and critical systems remain operational during grid disruptions.
As New Jersey electricity rates continue to rise, a battery system helps you reduce reliance on grid power during peak hours, potentially lowering your overall energy costs.
FAQs
What are the New Jersey solar incentives for installing renewable energy?
There are several New Jersey solar incentives, which are only applicable to solar system owners. One of these incentives is the Solar Renewable Energy Certificate II (SREC II) program. For every megawatt-hour (MWh) of solar energy your system produces, you earn one SREC, which can be sold for additional income. The state also offers local rebates and incentives to reduce the cost of solar panel installation.
Additionally, homeowners can benefit from federal tax credits, which cover 30% of the total solar installation costs. The federal tax credit for solar installations is set to decrease in 2032, making now the ideal time to go solar and maximize your financial savings. The federal solar tax credit combined with New Jersey solar incentives make solar power a financially smart investment for New Jersey residents, helping to lower the cost of going solar and increase long-term savings. For many homeowners, an outright solar investment is still not financially feasible. The Sunrun Solar Subscription solves for this by providing customers with long term savings without the upfront costs and maintenance costs.
How much does it cost to install solar in New Jersey?
The cost of solar depends on a couple of factors. First and foremost, are you going to purchase your solar panels or participate in a Sunrun Solar Subscription plan? While both plans will lock in your long-term pricing, solar system ownership may require a large upfront investment. With the Sunrun Solar Subscription you pay as little as $0 down and over a 25-year period you’ll pay part of your energy to bill to Sunrun instead of to your utility and at a lower, fixed rate. This is known as a power purchase agreement (PPA).
If you choose the subscription plan, your monthly Sunrun rate will depend on your energy usage, your home’s sunlight exposure, and whether or not you have a backup battery. By meeting with one of our local New Jersey energy consultants, you can have your home and energy usage assessed to get a customized savings proposal. Our expert consultants will ensure your custom rooftop solar system is optimized to offset the energy you produce, minimizing your monthly utility bill.
What are the benefits of New Jersey solar panels and battery storage?
New Jersey homeowners can enjoy numerous advantages from installing solar panels and battery storage systems. These systems provide greater energy independence by allowing you to generate and store your own electricity, reducing reliance on the grid and ensuring backup power during outages—especially important with New Jersey's frequent storms. Financially, solar installations help stabilize monthly utility bills and protect against rising electricity rates. Owned systems also increase property values, offering a significant return on investment.
From an environmental standpoint, solar energy reduces your carbon footprint, supporting a cleaner, more sustainable future for New Jersey. There are strong New Jersey solar incentives, including the Solar Renewable Energy Certificate II (SREC II) program and property tax exemptions, which, combined with the federal solar tax credit, make solar more affordable. Additionally, New Jersey has made solar more accessible by passing laws to protect homeowners against HOA rules that, in the past, have inhibited solar installation. Battery storage optimizes energy use during peak demand periods, helping to lower costs and contribute to a more resilient energy grid for all New Jersey residents. By going solar, you’re also supporting the growth of the renewable energy sector in the state, further driving clean energy adoption and local job creation.
What are the new solar laws in New Jersey?
New Jersey has made significant updates to its solar policies to encourage continued growth in renewable energy. One of the key changes is the transition from the previous Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC) program to the new Solar Renewable Energy Certificate II (SREC) program. Under SREC II, solar renewable energy credits in New Jersey are now sold at a fixed rate per megawatt-hour (MWh), replacing the previous market-based pricing system. The program change aims to provide more sustainable, long-term incentives for solar energy adoption.
While SREC programs only benefit those who own their solar energy equipment, net metering policies remain in place and apply to any Sunrun solar plan–allowing homeowners to earn credits for excess energy produced by their solar panels. However, these policies may evolve in the coming years, potentially offering more market-based pricing models. New Jersey is also focusing on enhancing battery storage incentives, making it easier for homeowners to combine solar with storage solutions to further increase energy independence and grid stability.
These updates aim to maintain New Jersey's position as a leader in solar energy while supporting the state's ambitious clean energy goals of achieving 100% clean energy by 2050.
Is it worth it to get a solar system in New Jersey?
New Jersey is one of the best states for solar energy due to its combination of high electricity rates and robust incentive programs. Homeowners can benefit from the Successor Solar Incentive (SuSI) Program, which offers valuable credits for the energy their solar systems produce.
Financially, solar helps stabilize the cost of energy, protecting homeowners from future utility rate hikes, while also increasing property values. Plus, with New Jersey’s commitment to achieving 100% clean energy by 2050, investing in solar contributes to a more sustainable future. Pairing solar with battery storage also provides greater energy independence, ensuring your home stays powered during outages. With these long-term financial and environmental benefits, going solar in New Jersey is a smart and impactful investment.
Can I finance a solar system and battery storage in New Jersey?
We offer a number of payment plans for solar financing in New Jersey to help you find the best plan for your situation. The Sunrun Solar Subscription is the best selling subscription in America, but every home is unique. Solar customers can choose from solar leases through the Sunrun Solar Subscription or buying solar panels outright with an owned plan, where you can get a solar loan or pay upfront.