SOLAR FAQS

What changed with solar incentives after 2025?

The residential solar tax credit expired on December 31, 2025. While that changed the landscape, solar didn’t stop. New financing options were created to help homeowners continue seeing strong savings, even without the tax credit, by structuring value in different ways.

If the tax credit is gone, is solar still worth it in New Jersey?

In many cases, yes. Utility rates have risen significantly, and as those rates increase, solar can still provide meaningful long-term savings depending on the option you choose. For many homeowners, rising utility costs are now a bigger driver than incentives ever were.

What is a prepaid solar lease?

A prepaid solar lease is designed to give homeowners the value they would have received from the tax credit, even though the credit has expired. It allows homeowners to lock in long-term savings without relying on incentives that no longer exist.

Why are solar leases and PPAs becoming more popular?

Utility rates have climbed sharply, which has widened the gap between utility pricing and solar rates. Because of that, many homeowners are seeing 50 to 60 percent savings in their first year with certain lease or PPA options, making them more attractive than ever.

How much have utility rates increased locally?

In some areas, including Atlantic City Electric territory, rates have increased from around 22 cents per kilowatt-hour to roughly 32 cents. That type of increase has a major impact on monthly electric bills and has caused many homeowners to reconsider solar sooner than planned.

Why shouldn’t I choose the lowest solar quote?

The lowest quote is often part of a race to the bottom. Companies offering extremely low pricing may not have the systems, staffing, or longevity to support homeowners long-term, which can lead to higher costs later when service or support is needed.

What happens if my solar installer goes out of business?

If an installer is no longer around, getting service or support can be difficult and expensive. We regularly hear from homeowners who were left without help after their original installer shut down and had to pay significantly more to fix or modify their systems.

Do I need a new roof before installing solar panels?

A new roof is not always necessary before installing solar panels, but the roof needs to have enough life left to support solar long-term. Installing solar on a roof that needs replacement soon can lead to costly removal and reinstallation that could have been avoided with proper planning.

Do you offer roofing services without solar?

Yes. We provide roofing services with or without solar, with competitive pricing and multiple warranty options available. This allows homeowners to address roofing needs now and plan for solar later if needed.

What does GAF Master Elite certification mean?

GAF Master Elite is a high-level certification held by only a small percentage of roofing contractors. It allows us to offer stronger warranty options and reflects our experience, training, and commitment to quality workmanship.

What questions should I ask before choosing a solar company?

Homeowners should ask about flashing on roof penetrations, the racking system being used, whether contracts include escalators, and which panel manufacturers are being installed. These details often have a bigger impact long-term than the initial price of going solar.

Why does flashing matter for solar installations?

Flashing protects roof penetrations over the long term. Using proper flashing with strong manufacturer warranties helps prevent leaks and protects the roof underneath the system for decades.

What racking systems do you use?

We use established racking manufacturers like Unirac and IronRidge. These systems are widely used, proven over time, and designed to securely support solar panels in varying weather conditions.

What is an escalator in a solar contract?

An escalator means the solar rate increases each year, often by around 3 percent. Over time, that can reduce savings and, in some cases, bring the solar rate closer to the utility rate if it’s not carefully reviewed.

Does New Jersey weather make solar unreliable?

No. Solar production is generally very consistent in New Jersey year over year, usually within a few percentage points, even with changing weather. While daily output fluctuates, annual solar performance tends to remain stable.

What advice do you give homeowners who are hesitant about solar?

If a homeowner is hesitant about going solar, we start by understanding what’s causing the hesitation – whether it’s pricing, long-term . Once homeowners see how high utility bills have become and how much protection solar warranties provide, many feel more confident moving forward.

Am I good candidate for a solar system?

There are a few factors that determine if solar is right for you. Does your roof face south, east, or west? Are your roof shingles less than 15 years old? Do you have an electric bill that is $75 or more per month? If you answered yes to these questions, then you are most likely a great candidate for solar power.

Is it really possible to get a solar system installed on my roof for "zero down"?

Yes! With Sun Up Zero Down, going solar has never been easier. Schedule a free consultation to see if you qualify for a solar system that is guaranteed to lower your electric bill.

How large of a solar system do I need?

The size of your system is based on the amount of electricity you consume, along with your available roof or ground space.

What if something goes wrong with the solar system over its lifetime?

We’re here to help. All of our systems come with full warranties, insurance covering theft and damage, and professional grade monitoring to make sure it is always producing the way it should.

What makes solar leasing possible?

The solar leasing company we partner with is able to take advantage of some federal and state tax benefits in a way that homeowners can not. This makes solar leasing monetarily beneficial for both the homeowner and the solar leasing company.

How do solar panels work?

Solar Panels are made up of silicone cells that turn sunlight into (DC) electricity. Once produced, that electricity flows into an inverter that converts it to (AC) electricity so that is usable in your home. The system’s production is monitored by your utility company each month via net metering. Net metering allows you to receive the full retail credit on your utility bill for each kWh of electricity your system produces.

What is the difference between a solar lease and a solar power purchase agreement (PPA)?

Both of these are great options where another company owns and maintains the solar system and the homeowner benefits from the electric savings. The main difference between the two is that a solar lease has a fixed monthly payment that never changes, and a solar PPA lets the homeowner buy the electricity that the system produces each month at a discounted rate.

What happens at the end of the lease/PPA term?

At the end of the term, you may either renew for free and keep taking advantage of the lower rate or you can have your system removed at no cost.

What is the difference between lowering my rate with solar and lowering my rate with a third party supplier?

There are two charges on your electric bill: delivery and supply. By signing up with a third party supplier, your delivery charges will not change. You can, however, reduce your supply cost by approximately 10 to 20 percent but the savings are temporary. Some third party suppliers have variable rates and some can lock your rate in for a year or two. With solar we can reduce your entire electric bill (delivery and supply) by 30-50 percent and the savings are locked in for 25 years. You aren’t subject to variable rates or teaser rates.

What happens if I move before the end of the term?

If you decide to sell your home, you can transfer the lease to the new homeowner. The new homeowner will get to take advantage of the reduced electric bill along with all of the warranties, monitoring, and free insurance.

DISCLAIMER

The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section above provides information based on accurate and up-to-date knowledge available at the time of its creation. However, we want to bring to your attention that our financing products, government incentives, and the industry as a whole are subject to continuous change. Therefore, some of the information presented in this FAQ may have become outdated or no longer applicable. We strongly advise you to contact us directly for the most recent and precise information regarding our offerings, financing options, government incentives, and any other relevant details. By doing so, we can provide you with a tailored proposal that aligns with your specific home and energy consumption needs.