The Solar Energy Industry Association defines net metering this way: “Net metering allows residential and commercial customers who generate their own electricity from solar power to sell the electricity they aren't using back into the grid.” In effect, you’re collecting solar power, using what you need, and power companies buy back the surplus by way of credits for what they didn’t use.

Any power collected by your system runs your home or businesses needs first, then what doesn’t get used can be collected by an optional battery for your home. The excess is then sent back to the grid, which acts like a giant battery for the electrical company. This excess lessens production demand, lowering energy costs for everyone.

In New Jersey, the only eligibility requirement for net metering is that the system cannot generate more energy than the location’s annual energy consumption.

Yes. There are currently four state rebates available in NJ: an investment tax credit (ITC), a solar renewable energy certificate (SREC), a sales tax exception, and a property tax exception.

The SuSi (Successor Solar Incentive Program) is a NJ Board of Public Utilities production-based program that awards certificates called a SREC-II for every 1,000 kWh of solar energy they generate. Homeowners earn $90 for every SREC-II they earn over 15 years. Commercial systems earn slightly more, at $100-$120, depending upon the project.

It’s a federal tax incentive that allows you to deduct 30% of the solar installation cost from your federal tax return.  It is a dollar for dollar federal credit   which reduces a person or business’ tax liability based on the amount they have invested in a solar energy project. The residential and commercial ITC are both worth 30% of a solar project’s cost through 2032.  This credit is good for customers who either purchased or financed their solar systems.

Zero-down financing allows you to install a solar energy system without an upfront payment, instead spreading the cost of the installation across regular payment similar to a cell phone purchase.

All are generally zero-down arrangements.

When you enter into a solar lease, the leasing company installs, owns, and maintains the system. The leasing company then receives all of the incentives and tax benefits. In essence, you “rent” the solar production generated from the system for a fixed monthly amount based upon the annual production estimates.

A solar PPA is similar situation. The only real difference is the way the payments are calculated. In a PPA (power purchase agreement), you agree to buy the power generated by your system at a fixed per-kilowatt hour (kWh) rate.

A solar loan works similar to a car loan – you borrow money from a lender to purchase and install your system and pay it off over time, with interest. The advantage is that you reap the tax incentives and other benefits from ownership of the system.

We offer the Powur Care warranty. Powur Care provides comprehensive coverage for panels and inverters, installation workmanship errors, and roof penetration integrity for 30 years. This includes replacement of parts and labor for all covered defects, leaving your homeowners with peace of mind their solar investment is protected. Powur Care has nationwide coverage, no deductibles, and is fully transferable.

Most solar cells only weigh between 40-50 pounds, which amounts to a little over 2 pounds per square foot, well within tolerances for a vast majority of roofs.

Before any install, it’s recommended to consult with a roofing professional to evaluate your roof’s condition. If it needs replacement or repair, it’s best to have that done before installing solar panels. However, once installed, solar panels can actually help to extend the life of your roof, acting as a physical shield from snow, rain, and, of course, the sun.

Batteries are an available option that may or may not be right for your situation. For areas of frequent power outages or without access to net metering, installing a battery may be worth the additional cost. Keep in mind that the optimal time to install the battery is during the initial system installation, to avoid additional incremental labor costs and permits for installation.

There’s no “one size fits all” for determining the number of panels you’ll need. There are many factors at play: types of panels being installed, your average energy consumption, and naturally, how much access to direct sunlight you have all contribute to determining your needs. However, the average US household with a solar energy installation has between 16 and 20 solar panels.