Solar Panels in New Jersey (2026 Guide)

New Jersey is one of the best solar states in the country in 2026 — even without the federal tax credit. It stacks full retail net metering, a 15-year SREC-II income stream, and both property and sales tax exemptions on top of high electricity rates. The result is strong payback for most homeowners.

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How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in New Jersey?

NJ installs run about $2.75–$3.15 per watt before incentives:

The state's incentives bring your net cost down well below sticker. See our 2026 cost breakdown.

New Jersey Solar Incentives in 2026

SREC-II income (SuSI program) — the headline

Through the state's Successor Solar Incentive (SuSI) program, your system earns SREC-IIs for 15 years based on the power it produces — recently about $85.90 per MWh, stepping down to about $76.50 per MWh for systems registered on or after March 6, 2026. That's a locked, multi-year income stream on top of your bill savings.

Property & sales tax exemptions

Solar is 100% exempt from added property tax and from state sales tax — both permanent.

No state income tax credit — and no federal credit in 2026

New Jersey has no separate state solar income tax credit (the SREC-II program is the main incentive), and the 30% federal residential credit expired December 31, 2025. See our 2026 tax credit guide and incentives guide.

Net Metering in New Jersey

New Jersey requires full retail net metering. PSE&G, JCP&L, Atlantic City Electric, and RECO credit the excess power you export at roughly the retail rate (~17¢/kWh), so every kWh you send to the grid offsets a kWh you'd otherwise buy.

Is Solar Worth It in New Jersey?

For most homeowners, yes — and it's one of the clearer "yes" states in 2026. Full retail net metering preserves the value of your production, SREC-IIs add 15 years of income, the tax exemptions trim cost, and high electricity rates speed payback. A custom quote confirms your numbers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do solar panels cost in New Jersey in 2026?
About $2.75–$3.15 per watt — ~$13,750–$16,000 for 5 kW, $27,500–$32,000 for 10 kW.

What is SREC-II / SuSI?
A 15-year income program paying ~$85.90/MWh (→ ~$76.50/MWh for systems registered on/after March 6, 2026).

Does New Jersey have net metering?
Yes — full retail (1:1) from the major utilities.

Is solar worth it in New Jersey?
For most homeowners, yes — one of the strongest 2026 markets.

Sources

SREC-II values: SolarMe, SolarInfoPath. Net metering & exemptions: NuWatt, EnergySage. Costs: SolarReviews. Federal credit expiration: IRS OBBB FAQ.

See how New Jersey compares nationwide: our Net Metering by State (2026) guide covers how every state's utility credits solar exports.

See What Solar Would Save You in 2026

Incentives now depend on your state, utility, and roof. Get a free, no-obligation estimate.

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Written and reviewed by , Founder of Solar Energy Nerds — in solar since 2017. Published June 12, 2026.

We verify costs, incentives, and policy claims against the IRS, DSIRE, and official state & utility sources. Update dates change only when the underlying facts change.

Solar Energy Nerds provides general information, not tax or financial advice. Incentives and costs vary by state, utility, and household — verify current figures for your address before deciding.