In New Jersey, a 6.6-kW system for an average home costs about $17,094 after incentives in 2026, saves about $2,600 in the first year and pays back in 6.2 years.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Solar, 6.6 kW × $2.59/W | $17,094 |
| Federal credit (0%) | $0 |
| Net cost | $17,094 |
| Scenario | Net cost | Year-1 savings | Payback | 25-yr net |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State averages (above) | $17,094 | $2,600 | 6.2 yr | $62,102 |
| Rates rise 5.6%/yr (2020–25 pace) | $17,094 | $2,600 | 5.9 yr | $90,558 |
| Rates stay flat | $17,094 | $2,600 | 6.6 yr | $40,382 |
| Survey price $3.7/W (LBNL) | $24,420 | $2,600 | 8.6 yr | $54,776 |
| Add 13.5-kWh battery | $31,107 | $2,600 | 10.7 yr | $48,089 |
| Exports cut to 50% of retail | $11,396 | $1,410 | 7.7 yr | $28,019 |
Verdict: at average New Jersey numbers, solar is a strong investment in 2026 — payback takes 6.2 years, leaving you $62,102 ahead after 25 years. The main reasons: electricity that costs more than in all but 10 states; 1:1 net metering, which credits every exported kWh at the full retail price; performance payments (NJ SREC-II ($77/MWh for 15 years, registrations on/after 2026-07-27)). Pay cash if you can: Berkeley Lab found loan-financed systems priced about $1.50/W above cash installs in 2025, which can add years to the payback.
Net metering and exports in New Jersey: Retail-rate net metering up to 100% of annual use; excess at wholesale.
Battery: a 13.5-kWh battery at the New Jersey average of $1,038/kWh adds $14,013 and saves almost nothing extra under 1:1 net metering — buy it for backup, not payback; payback becomes 10.7 years.
EnergySage's New Jersey page lists a 8.9-year payback. Its method is not fully published; ours uses EIA's Jan–Aug 2026 price, 1:1 net metering, 3%/yr rate growth and 0.5%/yr panel aging, with no federal credit.
The full method, material data and tips are on the main solar payback calculator page.