Stop Overpaying for Solar in New Jersey
May 9, 2026Is Solar Power a Good Investment? How to Calculate Your ROI
May 9, 2026A solar system is a 25-year investment. These mistakes cost homeowners thousands — and most are entirely avoidable with the right information upfront.
For New Jersey homeowners: For New Jersey homeowners, installation mistakes carry an especially high cost — because NJ’s net metering interconnection and SREC registration must be executed correctly for your system to qualify for both programs. A mistake in system design or paperwork can delay or forfeit thousands of dollars in state program income.
1. Wrong System Orientation
South-facing panels at the correct tilt produce the most power. East/west splits can work, but north-facing panels are a significant loss. Your installer should model your specific roof before proposing a layout.
2. Ignoring Shading Analysis
Trees, chimneys, and neighboring buildings can shade panels for hours a day. A proper shading analysis (using tools like Aurora Solar) shows exactly how much shade affects your annual production before anything is installed.
3. Wrong Inverter for Your Roof
Multiple roof planes with different orientations need microinverters or power optimizers. A single string inverter will underperform badly in this situation. Match the inverter technology to your specific roof.
4. No Roof Assessment Before Install
Panels are designed to last 25–30 years. Your roof should have at least 15 years of life left. If it doesn’t, replace it first.
5. Skipping the Electrical Panel Upgrade
Older homes often have 100A panels that can’t safely handle a solar system plus modern appliances. A 200A upgrade is sometimes necessary — don’t let an installer skip this to win the bid.
6. Not Checking Permit History
Ask your installer how many permits they’ve pulled in your county. Permitting experience matters — a company that knows your local inspector closes jobs faster and without surprises.
7. Choosing AC-Coupled Storage Wrong
If you’re adding a battery, make sure the battery is compatible with your inverter system. Enphase-to-Enphase and SolarEdge-to-SolarEdge pairings work cleanly. Mixing brands can create compatibility and warranty headaches.
8. Not Reading the Monitoring Agreement
Some installers charge a monthly monitoring fee. Others include it free. Understand what happens to your monitoring access if the company goes out of business.
9. Missing the Interconnection Deadline
Your utility must approve your system before you can turn it on. An experienced installer manages this process. An inexperienced one lets it drag — costing you months of lost production.
10. Not Verifying the Warranty
Panel warranties (25 years), inverter warranties (10–25 years), and workmanship warranties (1–10 years) are all separate. Read each one and confirm the company will still exist to honor them.
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.
Avoid These Mistakes With an Experienced NJ Installer
Jon has done 1,675+ installations in New Jersey and neighboring Bucks County PA. Every project includes proper net metering interconnection filing and SREC registration — handled by Jon’s team, not left to you. Book a free call to talk through your project.
