Solar Panel Installation in New Jersey & Pennsylvania
Full-service residential and commercial solar installation: design, permits, equipment, labor, inspection, and grid connection — all under one Solarnova contract.
Solarnova installs residential and commercial solar panel systems across New Jersey and Pennsylvania, handling every step from site assessment through utility interconnection. Typical residential installs cost $15,000–$30,000 before incentives and go live within 4 to 8 weeks.
What Is Included in Solarnova's Solar Installation Service?
Every install follows a six-step process so you know exactly what happens and when:
| Step | What Happens | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Site assessment | On-site or virtual roof evaluation, shade analysis, electrical panel review | 3–5 days |
| 2. Permit filing | We file building, electrical, and utility interconnection paperwork | 2–4 weeks |
| 3. Equipment sourcing | Panels, inverters, racking, and conduit ordered to your spec | 1–2 weeks |
| 4. Installation | Racking, panels, inverters, wiring, and monitoring on-site | 1–3 days |
| 5. Inspection | Municipal and electrical inspections | 1 week |
| 6. Grid connection | Utility installs production meter, system goes live | 1–2 weeks |
How Much Does Solar Panel Installation Cost in NJ and PA?
Pricing depends on system size, roof complexity, and panel tier. Ranges below are before state incentives. Note that the 30% federal residential solar tax credit expired on 31 December 2025 and is not available for 2026 purchases.
| System Type | Typical Size | Price Range (pre-incentive) |
|---|---|---|
| Residential — Small | 4–6 kW | $12,000 – $18,000 |
| Residential — Medium | 7–9 kW | $18,000 – $25,000 |
| Residential — Large | 10–15 kW | $25,000 – $40,000 |
| Commercial — Small | 20–50 kW | $45,000 – $120,000 |
| Commercial — Large | 100+ kW | Custom quote |
Final pricing depends on system size, roof type, and permits. Get a free written quote tailored to your home.
How Long Does Solar Panel Installation Take?
On-site installation is fast — the longer wait is permits and utility interconnection.
| Phase | Duration |
|---|---|
| Contract signed to permit approval | 2–4 weeks |
| On-site installation | 1–3 days |
| Inspection | 1 week |
| Utility interconnection (PTO) | 1–2 weeks |
| Total: contract to grid-connected | 4–8 weeks |
What Solar Panel Brands Does Solarnova Install?
We install tier-1 panels only — brands with long manufacturer warranties and established NJ/PA service networks.
- SunPower — premium efficiency, 25-year product warranty
- LG NeON — high-efficiency residential panels
- Panasonic EverVolt — strong low-light performance
- Q CELLS — excellent value-to-efficiency ratio
- Enphase microinverters — per-panel optimization
- SolarEdge & Tesla — optimizers, inverters, batteries
Is Solar Installation Worth It in New Jersey and Pennsylvania?
Yes — state-level incentives remain in place in both states (the 30% federal residential solar tax credit expired on 31 December 2025):
- NJ sales tax exemption — qualifying solar equipment is exempt from New Jersey sales tax at purchase
- NJ SREC-II (Successor Program) — ongoing revenue from solar production for 15 years
- PA Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) — sell credits to utilities for extra income
- Net metering — sell excess production back to the grid in both states
- Property tax exemption — solar additions do not raise property tax assessments in NJ
Typical ROI: 6–9 years in NJ, 8–11 years in PA — with panels lasting 25+ years.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Installation
A typical residential solar panel installation in New Jersey costs $15,000 to $30,000 before incentives. NJ SREC-II payments, net metering, and the state sales and property tax exemptions reduce the lifetime cost. The 30% federal residential solar tax credit expired on 31 December 2025 and no longer applies.
A typical residential solar panel installation in Pennsylvania costs $14,000 to $28,000 before incentives. PA offers SREC income and net metering. The 30% federal residential solar tax credit expired on 31 December 2025 and no longer applies.
Total project time runs 4 to 8 weeks in both NJ and PA. Site assessment takes 1 week, permit filing and approval 2–4 weeks, installation 1–3 days, and utility interconnection another 1–2 weeks.
Solarnova installs tier-1 panels from SunPower, LG, Panasonic, Q CELLS, REC, and Silfab, with Enphase microinverters, SolarEdge optimizers, or Tesla power electronics.
Yes. We install Tesla Powerwall, Enphase IQ Battery, and SolarEdge Home Battery alongside new solar or as retrofits. Battery storage adds roughly $10,000–$15,000 per 10 kWh.
Both states still offer meaningful state-level incentives: NJ has the SuSI/SREC-II program plus full-retail net metering, and PA offers SRECs and net metering. The 30% federal residential solar tax credit expired on 31 December 2025, so payback now depends more than before on your roof, shading, and usage. Ask for a payback figure calculated without any federal residential credit.
South-, southeast-, and southwest-facing roofs with minimal shade and at least 10 years of life left are ideal. Asphalt, metal, and tile roofs all accommodate solar. Flat roofs use ballasted or tilt-mount racks.
Yes. Modern panels produce more efficiently in cold weather than in heat. Light snow slides off tilted arrays quickly; heavy snow briefly reduces output but rarely causes damage.
No. Properly installed solar arrays use flashed, sealed mounts rated for 25+ years. Solarnova includes a workmanship warranty covering any install-related roof issues.
Very little. Rain handles most cleaning. An annual inspection and occasional cleaning is typically enough. Monitoring apps flag any production issues automatically.
Related Questions
Can I install solar myself in New Jersey?
DIY solar is legal in NJ but requires licensed electrical signoff and utility interconnection — most homeowners find a licensed installer is faster and qualifies for stronger warranties.
How many solar panels do I need for a 2,000 sq ft home?
A typical 2,000 sq ft home uses 20–28 panels (roughly 8–11 kW) depending on electricity usage and roof orientation.
Does homeowners insurance cover solar panels?
Most standard NJ and PA homeowners policies cover roof-mounted solar as part of the dwelling. Confirm with your carrier and raise coverage limits if needed.
Do solar panels increase home value in NJ?
Yes. Zillow and Berkeley Lab research shows solar adds roughly 4% to home sale price on average, and NJ offers a property tax exemption on the added value.
What happens if I sell my house with solar panels?
Owned systems transfer with the home and typically add value. Leased or PPA systems require the buyer to assume the contract. Solarnova helps coordinate transfers.
Can solar panels power my home during a blackout?
Only with a battery. Grid-tied solar without storage shuts off during outages for utility-worker safety. A Tesla Powerwall or Enphase IQ Battery provides backup.