Solar Lease vs Buy — The $17,000 Difference Nobody Tells You
May 9, 2026How Much Does Solar Really Cost? (Honest Numbers)
May 9, 2026After 1,675+ solar installations, Jon has seen what goes wrong. Most of these mistakes are preventable — if you know what to look for before you sign.
For New Jersey homeowners: For New Jersey homeowners, these mistakes carry a larger-than-average financial penalty — because NJ’s net metering and SREC programs create strong returns on a well-designed system, but those returns evaporate quickly when the system is undersized, poorly sited, or paired with the wrong equipment.
1. Buying an Undersized System
Installers sometimes quote a smaller system because a lower total price wins the bid. But an undersized system means you’re still buying grid power every month. Size for 100–110% of your annual usage — not just your summer bills.
2. Ignoring the Inverter Choice
String inverters fail one panel, the whole string underperforms. Enphase microinverters work panel by panel — one shaded or faulty panel doesn’t drag down the rest. The inverter choice affects your production for 25 years.
3. Not Getting the Roof Checked First
If your roof needs replacing in 5 years, do it before installing solar. Removing and reinstalling panels to replace a roof costs $2,000–$5,000. Jon is a GAF-certified roofer — he checks every roof before any system design.
4. Signing a Lease Instead of Buying
See the full breakdown above. Leases strip out NJ SREC income, escalate annually, and complicate home sales. Own the system.
5. Choosing the Cheapest Quote
The cheapest installer usually gets there by using lower-grade panels, shorter warranties, or paying their crew less. The system that saves you the most over 25 years is rarely the cheapest one upfront.
6. Not Understanding Net Metering
Net metering is how your utility credits you for excess power your panels send to the grid. Know your utility’s net metering rate before you size your system — it affects the financial model significantly.
7. Skipping the Monitoring Setup
Every system should come with panel-level monitoring. If a panel fails or underperforms, you want to know within days — not after you notice your electric bill climbing again after two years.
Find Out What Solar Saves You in Your Home
Every home is different — roof angle, usage, utility rate, and local incentives all affect your numbers. Enter your monthly electric bill below for a free savings estimate. Jon reviews every submission personally and follows up within 2 hours.
Get a Second Opinion Before You Sign Anything in NJ
Jon offers free, no-pressure estimates for NJ homeowners — and will tell you honestly if your current quote has any of these red flags. After 1,675+ installations he’s seen every mistake in the book and will flag them before they cost you. Book a free call to get Jon’s eyes on your proposal.
