New Jersey Solar Company: Independent Solar Broker Serving Newark, Jersey City, Trenton & Statewide
Your Trusted New Jersey Solar Company Alternative!
Going solar in New Jersey has never been more financially rewarding. With the nation's best SREC-II program providing $85 fixed payments for 15 years (earning $1,020+ annually), massive June 2025 electricity rate increases (17-20% hikes making NJ the 5th most expensive state), the 30% federal tax credit (expiring December 31, 2025), 100% property tax exemption, 6.625% sales tax exemption, and full retail rate net metering, New Jersey homeowners and businesses are investing in solar to dramatically reduce energy costs and generate ongoing income. A typical NJ solar system pays for itself in just 6-8 years—among the fastest payback in America—with total lifetime value of $75,000-$90,000. But navigating solar quotes, SREC-II registration, GATS enrollment, net metering policies, and understanding which installer will maximize your 15-year income stream can be overwhelming—especially when most solar salespeople work for a single company and are incentivized to sell you their panels, their financing, and their pricing, whether it's the best option for you or not.
That's where Girdler Solar makes the difference. As an independent New Jersey solar broker, we don't work for any specific solar installer. We work for you. We compare multiple vetted solar providers across New Jersey, negotiate competitive pricing on your behalf, and help you design a system tailored to your energy needs and SREC-II income potential. From Newark to Jersey City, Trenton to Princeton, we're your trusted solar advisor in New Jersey—delivering honest guidance, transparent pricing, and real savings without the high-pressure sales tactics.
Why New Jersey Homeowners & Businesses Are Going Solar
Nation's Best SREC-II Program - $85 Fixed for 15 Years
New Jersey's Successor Solar Incentive (SuSI) Program offers the most predictable and valuable solar income stream in America. For every 1,000 kWh (1 megawatt-hour) your solar system produces, you earn one SREC-II certificate worth exactly $85—a fixed price guaranteed for 15 years from interconnection. Unlike the old volatile SREC-I market where prices fluctuated wildly ($80-$300), SREC-II provides complete payment certainty. A typical 10 kW residential system generating 12,000 kWh annually produces 12 SREC-IIs worth $1,020 per year. Over the full 15-year term, this generates $15,300 in guaranteed solar income—separate from your electricity bill savings. Combined with the federal tax credit and sales tax exemption, SREC-II makes New Jersey one of the absolute best states in America for solar ROI. Important:SREC-II values are reviewed periodically—systems installed now lock in the current $85/SREC rate for the full 15 years.
Massive June 2025 Rate Increases (17-20% Hikes!)
On February 12, 2025, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities approved dramatic electricity rate increases effective June 1, 2025. PSE&G customers face a 17% supply rate increase ($27/month more for average household), JCP&L customers see a 20% increase ($22.67/month), Atlantic City Electric customers experience increases, and Rockland Electric customers face hikes. These increases will push New Jersey from the 12th most expensive state for electricity to the 5th most expensive. Current average rates of $0.20-0.22/kWh will jump to $0.24-0.26/kWh after June 2025, with some customers paying $0.28-0.30/kWh total including delivery charges. For the average NJ household, this means an additional $300-$324 per year in electricity costs—making solar's fixed energy cost even more attractive. Solar installed now locks in your energy costs while utility rates continue climbing.
30% Federal Tax Credit (Expiring December 31, 2025!)
The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) allows you to deduct 30% of your total solar system cost from your federal taxes. For a $30,000 solar system, this means $9,000 in tax savings—a direct dollar-for-dollar reduction in your IRS tax bill. CRITICAL: The 30% federal tax credit expires December 31, 2025—systems must be operational by year-end to qualify. Congressional legislation has been proposed to terminate the residential credit on December 31, 2025. This is your final opportunity to claim the full federal incentive before it potentially disappears entirely—costing New Jersey homeowners $9,000-$12,000 in lost savings. Combined with SREC-II income, the federal credit makes 2025 the most financially compelling year ever for NJ solar.
100% Property Tax Exemption & 6.625% Sales Tax Exemption
New Jersey provides two powerful tax advantages:
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100% Property Tax Exemption: Solar systems typically increase home value by 4-6%, but New Jersey law provides a 100% property tax exemption on the added value. You gain thousands in home equity without any property tax increase—ongoing savings for the life of your system.
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6.625% Sales Tax Exemption: All solar equipment is exempt from NJ's 6.625% sales tax. On a typical $30,000 system, this saves $1,987.50 upfront—money that stays in your pocket from day one.
Full Retail Rate Net Metering
All New Jersey utilities (PSE&G, JCP&L, Atlantic City Electric, Rockland Electric) offer full retail rate net metering. When your solar panels produce more electricity than you're using, the excess goes to the grid and you receive credits worth the full retail electricity rate ($0.20-0.26/kWh after June 2025). Credits roll over month-to-month indefinitely, allowing summer solar production to offset winter consumption. Net metering combines with SREC-II income to maximize solar value—you're essentially paid twice for the same solar energy: once through bill credits (net metering), again through SREC-II payments. This "double-dip" structure is what makes New Jersey solar economics among the absolute best in America.
We Work for You, Not Solar Companies
Traditional solar installers employ commissioned salespeople who only present their company's products and pricing. They can't show you competitive options because they're locked into one brand, one installer, and one price structure. As an independent New Jersey solar broker, Girdler Solar compares offers from multiple reputable solar providers across the state. This means you get:
Better Pricing: We negotiate with installers to secure competitive rates you wouldn't get going directly to a single company
More Equipment Options: Access to top-tier panels, inverters, and batteries from multiple manufacturers
Honest Comparisons: Side-by-side analysis of costs, warranties, and long-term value
No Sales Pressure: We educate you about your options and let you decide on your timeline
SREC-II Expertise: We navigate SuSI program registration, GATS enrollment, payment setup, and 15-year income maximization
Local Knowledge, Statewide Reach
New Jersey has unique solar considerations:
PSE&G Territory (Northern/Central NJ): Understanding net metering policies, SREC-II qualification, interconnection requirements, June 2025 rate increases (17%), service for Newark, Jersey City, Elizabeth, Paterson, Bergen County, Essex County, Hudson County, and northern/central regions serving 2.3 million customers.
JCP&L Territory (Central/Western NJ): Solar programs for central and northern regions, net metering structure, SREC-II enrollment, June 2025 rate increases (20%—highest in state), interconnection for Trenton area, Morris County, Sussex County, Warren County, serving 1.1+ million customers.
Atlantic City Electric (Southern NJ): Coverage for southern New Jersey including Atlantic City, Camden, Vineland, southern shore areas, net metering policies, SREC-II programs, June 2025 rate increases, serving 550,000+ customers across 2,800 square miles.
Rockland Electric (Northern NJ): Limited northern New Jersey territory, net metering structure, SREC-II qualification, utility-specific interconnection requirements.
SREC-II Registration Process: Understanding SuSI Program Administratively Determined Incentive (ADI) pathway, pre-construction registration requirements, post-construction packet submission, NJ Certification Number receipt, GATS account setup, InClime registration for payments.
SREC-II Payment Setup: Enrolling with PJM-EIS Generation Attribute Tracking System (GATS), creating Irrevocable Standing Orders, connecting with SREC aggregators/brokers, understanding direct deposit timing, maximizing 15-year payment stream.
New Jersey Solar For All: Understanding low-to-moderate income (LMI) programs, community solar opportunities, additional incentives for qualifying households, program coordination with SREC-II.
Local Permitting: Navigating building permits across municipalities statewide, understanding local zoning regulations, HOA requirements, interconnection timelines, inspection processes.
Federal Tax Credit Urgency: Understanding December 31, 2025 expiration, congressional proposals to terminate residential credit, construction timeline requirements, operational deadline importance.
We understand these nuances and ensure your solar system is designed specifically for New Jersey's exceptional incentive landscape and your utility's requirements.
Transparent Process, Zero Surprises
Here's how working with Girdler Solar works:
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Free Consultation: We review your electricity usage, utility bills, property details, and solar goals
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Custom Design: We create a system design optimized for your roof orientation, shading, and SREC-II production
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Provider Comparison: We request quotes from multiple New Jersey solar installers
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SREC-II Income Analysis: We calculate your projected 15-year SREC-II revenue ($85/SREC × annual production × 15 years)
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Side-by-Side Comparison: We present clear comparisons showing costs, equipment, incentives, warranties, and projected total solar value
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Your Decision: You choose the best option with full confidence—no pressure, no gimmicks
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Installation Coordination: We manage the entire process and remain your advocate throughout
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Complete Registration: We handle utility interconnection, SuSI/ADI program registration, GATS enrollment, InClime setup, net metering activation, and Permission to Operate
Maximizing Your Solar Investment
We help you:
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Understand the 30% federal tax credit expiring December 31, 2025 and congressional proposals to terminate it
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Navigate SREC-II registration through SuSI ADI program for residential systems
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Calculate exact 15-year SREC-II income based on system size and annual production
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Register with GATS (Generation Attribute Tracking System) for SREC-II tracking
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Enroll with InClime for SREC-II payment processing and direct deposits
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Choose between SREC aggregators/brokers vs. direct management
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Leverage full retail rate net metering (1:1 credits indefinitely)
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Claim 100% property tax exemption (ongoing savings for system lifetime)
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Capture 6.625% sales tax exemption ($1,650-$2,200 savings)
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Explore financing options (cash purchase, solar loans, leases, PPAs)
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Understand SREC-II ownership rules (only system owners earn SRECs, not lease/PPA customers)
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Decide if battery storage makes sense for backup power
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Optimize system sizing to maximize both net metering and SREC-II income
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Avoid common pitfalls that reduce SREC-II payments or delay registration
URGENT: Federal 30% tax credit expires December 31, 2025—systems must be operational by year-end! New Jersey Solar Access Program launches 2025 with $7,500 maximum grants—early application recommended!
What Does Solar Cost in New Jersey?
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The average residential solar system in New Jersey ranges from $30,000 to $40,000 before incentives. After applying the 30% federal tax credit ($9,000-$12,000) and 6.625% sales tax exemption ($1,987-$2,650), most homeowners pay $18,000-$24,000 net cost upfront. Then SREC-II payments begin—earning back $1,020+ annually for 15 years ($15,300 total), effectively reducing net cost to $2,700-$8,700 over time.
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For a typical New Jersey home using 800-900 kWh per month (state average), a 10-12 kW solar system usually offsets 90-100% of electricity usage. At NJ's post-June 2025 rates ($0.24-0.26/kWh), homeowners save $2,300-2,800 annually on electricity, plus earn $1,020-$1,200 annually from SREC-IIs.
Payback Period
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New Jersey solar systems pay for themselves in 6-8 years—among the fastest payback in America. With combined annual value of $3,320-$4,000 (electricity savings + SREC-II income) against net upfront cost of $18,000-$24,000, payback happens remarkably fast. After payback, you continue receiving free electricity and SREC-II payments through year 15, then free electricity only through years 15-30. Over 25 years, New Jersey homeowners typically save $57,500-$70,000 on electricity while earning $15,300 from SREC-IIs—total solar value of $72,800-$85,300.
Financing Options
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Cash Purchase: Best long-term value, fastest payback, full federal tax credit and SREC-II ownership
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Solar Loan: $0 down, immediate savings, own your system, claim all incentives including SREC-IIs
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Power Purchase Agreement (PPA): Low upfront cost, pay only for solar electricity (Warning: Third-party owner keeps SREC-II income—you lose $15,300 over 15 years)
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Solar Lease: Fixed monthly payments (Warning: Third-party owner keeps SREC-II income—you lose $15,300)
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Critical: Only system owners earn SREC-IIs. With lease/PPA, you give up $15,300 in SREC-II payments to the third-party owner. For maximum financial return, own your system through cash or loan.
Commercial Solar Incentives
New Jersey businesses benefit from:
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Federal Tax Credit: 30% ITC on commercial solar systems (expires Dec 31, 2025)
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Commercial SREC-II Income: Same $85/SREC payment structure for 15 years (larger systems = more SRECs)
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Accelerated Depreciation: MACRS allows businesses to depreciate solar assets over 5 years
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Net Metering: Commercial systems qualify for full retail rate credits
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Property Tax Exemption: Commercial solar exempt from property tax increases
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Operating Cost Reduction: Offset NJ's rising commercial electricity rates
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Sales Tax Exemption: 6.625% savings on all equipment
Major New Jersey Utilities
Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G) - Northern/Central NJ
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Serves Newark, Jersey City, Elizabeth, Paterson, Edison, Woodbridge
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Largest NJ utility: 2.3 million electric customers, 1.9 million gas customers
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June 2025 rate increase: 17% supply rate hike ($27/month average)
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Current rates: ~$0.20-0.22/kWh, post-June: ~$0.24-0.26/kWh
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Full retail net metering, SREC-II eligible
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Coverage: Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Union, Middlesex, Somerset counties and more
Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) - Central/Northern NJ
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Serves Trenton area, Morris County, Sussex County, Warren County, Ocean County portions
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1.1+ million customers across central and northern regions
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June 2025 rate increase: 20% supply rate hike (highest in state, $22.67/month average)
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Current rates: ~$0.16-0.18/kWh, post-June: ~$0.19-0.22/kWh
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Full retail net metering, SREC-II eligible
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FirstEnergy subsidiary since 2001
Atlantic City Electric (ACE) - Southern NJ
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Serves Atlantic City, Camden, Vineland, Cape May, southern shore
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550,000+ customers across 2,800 square miles
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June 2025 rate increase: 4.8% (lowest among major utilities)
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Current rates: ~$0.23-0.25/kWh
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Full retail net metering, SREC-II eligible
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Exelon subsidiary, strong southern NJ coverage
Rockland Electric (RECO) - Limited Northern NJ
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Serves limited northern New Jersey territory
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June 2025 rate increase: 3.6%
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Full retail net metering, SREC-II eligible
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Smaller service territory than other major utilities
Major Metro Areas We Serve
Newark/Essex County:
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Newark, Irvington, Orange, East Orange, Bloomfield
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PSE&G territory, state's largest city
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High electricity rates, excellent solar economics
Jersey City/Hudson County:
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Jersey City, Hoboken, Bayonne, Union City, West New York
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PSE&G territory, densely populated
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Urban installations, strong SREC-II returns
Trenton/Mercer County:
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Trenton, Princeton, Ewing, Lawrence
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JCP&L territory, state capital region
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Government and residential installations
Paterson/Passaic County:
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Paterson, Clifton, Passaic, Wayne
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PSE&G territory, northern New Jersey
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Mixed residential and commercial market
Camden/South Jersey:
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Camden, Cherry Hill, Gloucester, Vineland
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Atlantic City Electric territory
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Southern New Jersey coverage
Middlesex County:
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Edison, Woodbridge, New Brunswick, Piscataway
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PSE&G territory, central corridor
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High-density residential market
No matter where you live in New Jersey, Girdler Solar connects you with trusted installers in your area and ensures you maximize SREC-II income and all available incentives.
New Jersey Solar Company FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Is solar worth it in New Jersey? Absolutely—NJ has America's #1 solar incentive combination. With SREC-II income ($1,020/year for 15 years = $15,300 total), 30% federal tax credit expiring Dec 31, 2025, June 2025 rate increases (17-20%), full retail net metering, 100% property tax exemption, and 6.625% sales tax exemption, NJ solar delivers 6-8 year payback with $72,800-$85,300 total lifetime value—best solar ROI in America. How does New Jersey's SREC-II program work? For every 1,000 kWh your system produces, you earn one SREC-II certificate worth exactly $85—fixed price guaranteed for 15 years. A typical 10 kW system generating 12,000 kWh annually produces 12 SREC-IIs worth $1,020/year. Over 15 years, this generates $15,300 guaranteed income separate from electricity savings. Register through SuSI ADI program, enroll in GATS, set up InClime payments—your installer handles most paperwork. What are the June 2025 electricity rate increases? On February 12, 2025, NJBPU approved dramatic increases effective June 1, 2025. PSE&G: 17% supply increase ($27/month more), JCP&L: 20% increase ($22.67/month), Atlantic City Electric: 4.8%, Rockland: 3.6%. These hikes push NJ from 12th to 5th most expensive state. Rates jump from $0.20-0.22/kWh to $0.24-0.26/kWh average. Solar installed now locks in fixed energy costs before increases hit. Can I get SRECs if I lease solar panels? No. Only system owners earn SREC-IIs. With lease/PPA, the third-party owner retains all SREC-II income—potentially $15,300 over 15 years you're giving up. If maximizing financial return matters, own your system through cash purchase or solar loan to capture SREC-II revenue. This is a critical consideration when comparing financing options in New Jersey. What happens if the federal tax credit expires? The 30% federal tax credit expires December 31, 2025. Congressional legislation has been proposed to terminate the residential credit on this date. Systems must be operational by year-end to qualify. Missing this deadline means losing $9,000-$12,000 for typical NJ system. New Jersey's SREC-II, net metering, and tax exemptions continue, but losing federal credit significantly extends payback period from 6-8 years to 10-12 years. How much does solar cost in New Jersey? NJ solar ranges $30,000-$40,000 before incentives. After 30% federal credit ($9,000-$12,000) and 6.625% sales tax exemption ($1,987-$2,650), net cost is $18,000-$24,000. Then SREC-II payments earn back $1,020/year for 15 years ($15,300 total), reducing effective cost to $2,700-$8,700. With $3,320-$4,000 annual value (savings + SRECs), payback is 6-8 years with $72,800-$85,300 lifetime value. Will solar panels increase my New Jersey property value? Yes. Studies show solar increases home values by 4-6%. New Jersey's 100% property tax exemption means added value won't increase property taxes—you gain equity without higher tax bills. Solar homes sell faster due to locked-in low energy costs, transferable net metering benefits, and potential for buyer to assume remaining SREC-II payments (if system ownership transfers). How do I register for SREC-II payments? Your installer handles most paperwork: (1) Pre-construction SuSI ADI program registration, (2) Post-construction packet submission, (3) Receive NJ Certification Number from NJCEP, (4) Create GATS account with PJM-EIS, (5) Register with InClime for payments, (6) Set up direct deposit. Payments begin after interconnection. Most homeowners use SREC aggregators/brokers who handle sales and send quarterly/monthly payments. We help you select reputable aggregators. What is the difference between SREC-I, TREC, and SREC-II? SREC-I (2004-2020): Volatile market pricing, traded $80-$300 each, unpredictable income. TRECs/Transition Incentive (2020-2021): Fixed $91.20 residential, $152 commercial, bridged to SREC-II. SREC-II/SuSI (2021-present): Fixed $85 for 15 years, predictable income, current program. New installations only qualify for SREC-II. Lower than predecessors but eliminates market risk and provides guaranteed long-term income. Do New Jersey electricity rate increases affect my solar savings? Yes—dramatically. June 2025 increases (17-20%) boost solar value significantly. Higher utility rates mean: (1) Greater electricity bill savings from solar production, (2) More valuable net metering credits (full retail rate), (3) Faster payback period, (4) Higher lifetime savings. Solar installed before June 2025 locks in fixed energy costs before massive rate hikes hit. Every utility rate increase makes your solar investment more valuable.