Solar Loans — The Pitfalls Nobody Warns You About
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May 9, 2026Fifteen years and 1,675+ installs teaches you a lot about where money gets wasted and where smart decisions make a real difference. Here are 17 things Jon tells every homeowner before they sign.
For New Jersey homeowners: These 17 tips apply nationally, but several carry extra weight for New Jersey homeowners — particularly the ones about system sizing, SREC registration, and installer vetting. NJ’s solar economics are among the best in the country, but small decisions compound into significant differences in long-term return.
Before You Sign
- Get three quotes — The spread between the lowest and highest quote for the same system quality is often $5,000–$10,000.
- Compare price per watt, not total price — Bigger systems cost more. Normalise by dividing total price by system size in watts.
- Ask what panels they’re using — And look them up. Tier 1 panels from established manufacturers only.
- Ask what inverters they’re using — Enphase microinverters are the safest choice for most residential installs.
- Check the workmanship warranty — Minimum 10 years, in writing, covering roof penetrations.
- Confirm they pull permits — Non-negotiable. Every NJ install requires municipal permits and utility interconnection.
- Check Google reviews from 2+ years ago — Recent reviews are easy to game. Old reviews show how they handle problems.
On System Design
- Size for future usage — Adding an EV or heat pump? Size the system for that load now.
- Don’t skip the shading analysis — Even 10% shading can reduce production 15–25% annually.
- South-facing first — East/west splits work, but south-facing panels produce the most per panel.
- Check your electrical panel first — A 100A panel may need upgrading. Know the cost upfront.
On Financing
- Ask for the cash price — Then calculate the real cost of financing. Promotional rates often hide dealer fees.
- Own, don’t lease — Especially in NJ where SRECs add $500–$1,500/year in income.
- Register for SRECs immediately — Your installer should handle GATS registration as part of the job.
After Install
- Monitor your system — Check the app weekly in the first year to catch underperformance early.
- Keep your panels clean — Annual cleaning in NJ is usually sufficient. Dirty panels lose 5–15% production.
- Save every document — Permit, warranty cards, interconnection approval, monitoring login. You’ll need them when you sell.
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.
Put These Tips to Work on Your NJ Home
Jon applies all 17 of these principles on every project he takes — because his reputation in NJ depends on every homeowner getting a strong return. If you want a straight assessment of your home’s potential, book a free call or use the Solar Savings Estimator.
