Cost of Solar Panels in New Jersey (2026)

How much do solar panels cost in New Jersey?

The size of your system is a big factor in your overall solar costs. A typical New Jersey household needs a 7.5 kW (kilowatt) system to adequately power its home. Depending on your household’s energy usage, you might need a smaller or larger system. On the higher end, Vina in Keansburg spent $55,000 going solar.

Average solar panel costs by system size in New Jersey

Cost factors of going solar in New Jersey

The equipment — solar panels, inverters, mounting hardware and other electrical accessories — is typically the largest portion of your total costs (approximately 25% to 50%). Labor, which includes planning, preparing and connecting your system to the grid, accounts for 10% to 30%. Local permits and fees are a small part of your overall costs.

Solar panels

Most of your solar equipment costs come down to how much you pay for solar panels. You’ll hear installers talk about how “efficient” their panels are. Solar panel efficiency is a measure of how well a panel makes electricity.

Investing in quality panels pays off in the long run because they generate more power over time. For example, Carl in Metuchen considered proposals from four companies and chose one “because the kW output was equal to or higher than the others, the panels were the most efficient, and the cost/kW was at least as good or better than the others.”

However, lower-efficiency panels may be more cost-effective if space isn't a concern.

» COMPARE: Most efficient solar panels

Solar batteries

A battery stores energy for later use. It’s a must if you want real energy independence, but it sometimes costs as much as the panels. Solar battery costs vary by storage capacity, life span, brand and other factors. Expect to pay between $7,000 and $18,000, though some cost $30,000 or more.

Additional equipment costs

Solar arrays also contain mounting equipment, wiring and other devices, such as inverters.

• Solar inverter: Inverters convert the electricity generated by your solar panels from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). Inverter costs usually range from $1,000 to $3,000.
• Monitoring system: Some companies include a solar monitoring system to track how much energy your system produces and if there are any problems. If not, you can buy a stand-alone system for $80 to $400.

Condition of your roof

Solar panels last about 25 years. You need your roof to last at least as long. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay to remove the panels, repair your roof and reinstall them, which can cost thousands of dollars.

Dorrine in Hammonton found this out the hard way when she was told she had to pay $4,500 to remove the panels to fix a leaky roof.

Another resident, Charles in Jackson, was quoted up to $6,350 for removal and reinstallation. “If I knew that, I would have waited until AFTER I got my new roof to convert to solar,” he told us.

This is a frustrating and expensive ordeal, and you should avoid it if you can. Get your roof inspected, fixed or replaced before you go solar.

Local permits and fees

Before installing solar panels, you need building and electrical permits from your local building department. The installation contractor usually handles this and includes permitting costs in the overall price.

Pro tip

Upgrade old appliances before going solar. For example, replacing an old refrigerator with a more eco-friendly one reduces your electric load, which also helps lower your utility bill. If you use less electricity, you need fewer solar panels, making the whole system cheaper.

» RELATED: How many solar panels do you need for your house?

Are solar panels worth it in New Jersey?

We’ve talked to hundreds of residents who have already gone solar, and many say it’s worth it in New Jersey. “They are worth every dollar I spent on them,” Lisa in Elizabeth told us. Over 25 years, homeowners with solar panels avoid $87,420 in utility costs on average.

Another resident, Brandon in Camden, said his energy production has been even better than anticipated: “It's definitely worth it. Even though they're not the cheapest out there, as long as somebody understands the value of what you put into something, it's gonna be beneficial.”

Homeowners with solar panels typically save $20,000 to $90,000 over 25 years.

Michael in Voorhees told us his electric bill is $0 since going solar. Eric in Jackson isn’t generating 100% of his energy needs but says his utilities are $30 to $70 each February.

But it doesn’t work out for everyone. We’ve also heard plenty of complaints about billing problems, poor customer service and issues with system performance. That’s why it’s so important to do your research before hiring a solar company.

» STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

How to pay for solar panels in New Jersey

Getting solar panels is similar to getting a new car: You can pay cash, but most people finance or lease.

Solar loans

A solar loan works like any other type of home improvement loan. In an ideal financing scenario, your system generates enough extra power to pay off the loan, like Marisol in Perth Amboy.

“I'm financing the system, and what I'm producing covers the price every month,” Marisol told us. “Plus, I'm making a little extra. My electric bill is $4.99 now.”

Solar leases

Leasing solar panels lets you set up a system without the high upfront costs. A potential downside is that you are not eligible for the same tax incentives.

Marla in Paulsboro started leasing a 26-panel system last year. “I pay one flat fee of $97 per month for my solar rental for 25 years, and the electric bill taxes, which have so far ranged between $5 to $7 per month,” she said.

A solar power purchase agreement (PPA) is similar to leasing. With PPAs, you buy the power generated by the system on a per-kilowatt-hour (kWh) basis. The rate in cents/kWh is usually cheaper than the utility’s rate for the same amount of electricity.

» SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

Solar incentives, tax credits and rebates in New Jersey

Some of the best solar incentives in New Jersey include a rebate for incorporating solar panels on a new home. There is also a sales tax exemption and the Successor Solar Incentive (SuSI) program, which is a performance-based incentive.

Solar energy equipment is 100% exempt from sales tax in New Jersey.

The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) — worth 30% of the system’s total cost — is now scheduled to expire at the end of the year. This means you have until Dec. 31, 2025, to install and pay for a system to qualify for the credit.

Compare solar installation companies in New Jersey

We compared ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors to pick the top solar companies in New Jersey.

FAQ

Bottom line

Residential solar panel system costs typically fall between $10,000 and $30,000 or higher, depending on factors like the system’s size, local labor rates and available incentives. New Jersey homeowners with solar panels can typically save more than that in total avoided energy costs over the lifetime of a system.

The ConsumerAffairs Research Team has conducted extensive research to compare the costs of going solar in New Jersey and other states.

Solar costs vs. savings: New Jersey and nearby states