TOP 10 Solar Myths
August 30, 2024Solar Lease vs Buy — The $17,000 Difference Nobody Tells You
May 9, 2026Most homeowners who regret going solar didn’t make a bad decision about solar itself — they made a bad decision about who they hired and what they signed. After 15 years and 1,675+ installations, Jon has seen every mistake in the book. Here’s what to know before you write a single check.
For New Jersey homeowners: If you’re a New Jersey homeowner evaluating solar, this decision carries more financial weight than in most states — because NJ’s full net metering and SREC program mean a properly designed and correctly permitted system earns you significantly more over its lifetime. The guidance below applies nationally but is especially important in NJ, where the upside of getting it right — and the downside of getting it wrong — are both substantial.
Get Multiple Quotes — But Read Them Carefully
Solar quotes vary wildly, and not just on price. Some quotes use cheap panels with short warranties. Some bury an escalator clause in the financing. Some show you a system that’s undersized because a bigger one would make the price comparison harder. Get at least three quotes, compare the panel brands, warranty terms, and production estimates — not just the monthly payment.
Own, Don’t Lease
Leases and PPAs transfer the SREC income, the tax benefits, and the home resale value to the solar company — not to you. Ownership is almost always the better financial outcome. If you can’t pay cash, a solar loan still gets you ownership. The math on leasing rarely favors the homeowner.
Check the Installer’s Track Record
Ask how long they’ve been in business. Ask for references from installs done 3–5 years ago — not last month. Check their reviews on Google, not just the ones on their own website. A company that’s been around for five years and has 200+ Google reviews is a different animal from one that launched eighteen months ago.
Understand What You’re Actually Buying
Your system has four key components: panels, inverters, racking, and monitoring. Ask the installer what brand each one is. Look them up. REC, QCell, Silfab — these are solid panel choices. Enphase microinverters are the gold standard for most residential installs. If a quote doesn’t specify brands, ask why.
Don’t Rush
Any salesperson who tells you this offer expires at midnight is using pressure tactics. Solar prices don’t work that way. A good installer will give you time to review the contract, ask questions, and compare. If they’re rushing you, that’s your answer.
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.
Ready to Make the Right Call in New Jersey?
Jon has been installing solar across New Jersey for over 15 years — 1,675+ completed projects. If you want a straight answer on which installer questions to ask, what red flags to watch for in a contract, and what your home would actually save, book a free call. No salespeople, no pressure — Jon reviews every estimate personally.
