Toms River, NJ Solar Panels
Solar Power in Toms River
If you’re a Toms River homeowner thinking about solar, you’re not alone. New Jersey ranks 5th in the nation for residential solar installations — and with electricity prices up 21% since 2020, it’s easy to see why more families are looking to lower their energy bills.
This guide covers everything you need to know about solar panels for your home — from how the technology works to what installation looks like right here in Toms River, NJ.
NEW JERSEY by the Numbers
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Toms River, NJ?
Based on real solar installations across Toms River — from Silverton to South Toms River and Beachwood — this calculator uses Palmetto’s local data to give you an accurate estimate of what solar panels would cost and save at your home.
System
- No upfront investment
- Palmetto handles all maintenance
- 90% Production Guarantee
- Comprehensive protection program included
Key Takeaways
- Toms River homeowners can save an average of ~$96,000 over 25 years by switching to solar — while protecting themselves from rising electricity rates.
- New Jersey offers strong solar incentives including net metering at full retail rates, a sales tax exemption, and a 100% property tax exemption on added home value.
- No upfront cost? No problem. Toms River homeowners can lease solar panels through Palmetto’s LightReach program for as low as $93/month with no maintenance responsibilities.
Toms River Electricity Prices
Electricity in New Jersey costs more than the national average — and Toms River homeowners are seeing it on their bills.
Since 2021, NJ electricity rates have risen from 16.4 cents per kWh to 19.4 cents per kWh in 2024 — an 18% increase in three years. The national average also rose, but NJ has remained consistently higher.
Solar panels let homeowners generate their own electricity. When your system is producing power, you draw less from the grid. That means rate increases have a smaller impact on what you pay each month.
Over a 25-year system lifespan, that buffer from rising rates can add up. Many Toms River homeowners find that a more predictable energy cost is one of solar’s most meaningful long-term advantages.
Price of Energy: New Jersey vs National Average
Toms River Area Utility Providers
In Toms River, NJ, Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) is the local electric utility. Based on 2023 data — the most recent available — JCP&L customers pay around 14.0¢ per kWh.
That rate is actually below both the 2023 New Jersey state average of 17.70¢ and the national average of 16.0¢ per kWh. JCP&L’s regulated rate structure in NJ helps keep costs relatively competitive for Toms River homeowners.
Even so, electricity rates are not fixed. They’ve risen steadily over time. Solar can help Toms River homeowners lock in more predictable energy costs — regardless of where utility rates head next.
Toms River Utilities Electricity Rates
New Jersey Solar Incentives
Toms River homeowners can take advantage of several solar incentives in New Jersey that help reduce the upfront and long-term costs of going solar.
New Jersey offers a strong set of financial benefits for solar adopters — including net metering at full retail electricity rates, a complete sales tax exemption on solar equipment, a 100% property tax exemption on added home value, and access to community solar programs.
Note: the federal 30% residential solar tax credit was eliminated by the Big Beautiful Bill. State incentives still apply. For those considering a solar lease through LightReach, Palmetto manages the commercial ITC and passes those savings through as lower monthly payments.
| Incentive | Type | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Net Metering | Net Metering | New Jersey requires investor-owned utilities to credit solar customers at the full retail electricity rate for excess energy sent to the grid, effectively eliminating electricity bills for many homeowners in Toms River. | Learn More |
| New Jersey Solar Sales Tax Exemption | Sales Tax Exemption | Solar energy equipment purchased in New Jersey is fully exempt from the state’s 6.625% sales tax, saving homeowners over $1,600 on a typical $25,000 solar installation. | Learn More |
| New Jersey Solar Property Tax Exemption | Property Tax Exemption | Solar installations in New Jersey are 100% exempt from property tax assessments, meaning the added home value from your solar system will not increase your annual property tax bill. | Learn More |
| Community Solar Energy Program (CSEP) | Rebate | New Jersey’s Community Solar Energy Program allows renters, homeowners with unsuitable roofs, and others to subscribe to off-site solar farms and receive credits on their utility bills, with guaranteed savings of 15% or more for low- and moderate-income customers. | Learn More |
| Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for Battery Storage – Standalone | Tax Credit | Standalone residential battery storage systems (even without solar panels) qualify for a 30% federal tax credit under Section 48E, providing significant upfront cost savings for Toms River homeowners. |
Under New Jersey’s net metering policy, mandated by the NJ Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), your utility must credit you at the full retail rate of electricity for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) your solar panels send back to the grid — up to 100% of your annual electricity consumption. This means the energy you export is worth exactly the same as the energy you buy, maximizing your solar savings and often reducing your electricity bill to near zero.
If your solar system produces more electricity than you consume over the course of a full year, any remaining excess is credited at the wholesale electricity rate rather than the retail rate. Net metering is available through New Jersey’s major investor-owned utilities, including PSE&G, Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), Atlantic City Electric, and Orange & Rockland. The program is capped at 2.9% of each utility’s total annual kWh sales.
Net metering works automatically once your solar system is interconnected with your utility — no separate application is required beyond the standard interconnection process. Combined with the SuSI/SREC-II program, net metering makes New Jersey one of the most financially rewarding states in the country for residential solar owners, including homeowners in Toms River.
New Jersey provides a 100% sales tax exemption on the purchase of solar energy equipment for both homeowners and businesses. The state’s standard sales tax rate is 6.625%, meaning on a typical $25,000 solar installation, you avoid paying approximately $1,656 in sales tax — a straightforward, upfront reduction in the cost of going solar.
Eligible equipment includes anything that generates heating, cooling, electrical, or mechanical power through the conversion of solar energy, covering solar panels, inverters, racking, and related components. This exemption applies at the point of sale, so you simply won’t be charged sales tax when your installer purchases or bills you for the equipment.
To claim the exemption, your installer or supplier should be provided with a fully completed New Jersey Form ST-4 (Exempt Use Certificate). This is typically handled by your solar installation company as part of the standard purchasing process. Contact the New Jersey Division of Taxation for additional guidance.
Under New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 54:4-3.113a et seq.), the added value that a solar energy system contributes to your home is completely exempt from property tax assessment. Solar panels typically increase a home’s market value, but in New Jersey, that increase is not factored into your property tax bill — saving the average homeowner an estimated $1,000 or more per year in property taxes.
The exemption applies to residential and commercial properties and covers solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal systems. It is a permanent exemption for as long as the qualifying renewable energy system remains on the property, providing ongoing annual savings throughout the life of your solar installation.
To take advantage of this exemption, residents of Toms River should apply for a solar panel system certification and notify your local property tax assessor after your system is installed. The process is straightforward and is often assisted by your solar installer. This exemption stacks with other New Jersey incentives like the SuSI/SREC-II program and net metering to make solar ownership even more financially attractive.
The New Jersey Community Solar Energy Program (CSEP) makes solar accessible to residents who cannot install panels on their own property — including renters, condo owners, and homeowners with shaded or structurally unsuitable roofs. Participants subscribe to a share of an off-site community solar farm and receive credits directly on their regular utility bill for the electricity that share generates, reducing their monthly energy costs without any rooftop installation.
Low- and moderate-income (LMI) customers receive guaranteed savings of 15% or more on their solar subscription compared to standard utility rates, making this one of the most impactful programs for income-qualifying residents of Toms River. The program is open to meter customers of New Jersey’s investor-owned utilities, including renters, businesses, schools, and homeowners. New registrations opened in April 2025.
To find a community solar project near you, use the NJBPU’s Community Solar Project Finder tool available on the NJ Board of Public Utilities website. Community solar subscriptions are typically no-cost to join and can be cancelled if you move. The CSEP is administered under the SuSI program framework and is overseen by the NJBPU.
While the residential solar Investment Tax Credit (Section 25D) has been eliminated, standalone battery storage systems installed in 2026 may still qualify for a 30% federal tax credit under the commercial clean energy provisions (Section 48/48E), depending on how the system is structured and owned. This credit applies to the full installed cost of the battery system — even when it is not paired with rooftop solar panels — making battery storage more affordable on its own.
For a typical residential battery system costing $10,000–$15,000, a 30% tax credit translates to $3,000–$4,500 in direct federal tax savings. The credit is claimed on your federal income tax return for the year the system is placed in service. Eligible batteries must have a capacity of at least 3 kilowatt-hours (kWh) to qualify.
Because the tax credit landscape for 2026 is evolving following recent federal legislation, it is strongly recommended that you consult a qualified tax professional to confirm your eligibility and the correct credit mechanism before installation. When combined with New Jersey’s upcoming GSESP Phase 2 incentives, battery storage in Toms River is poised to become significantly more affordable in 2026.
Ready to start saving with solar?
Speak with a Palmetto solar expert to find out exactly how much you can save with New Jersey incentives.
Get a Free QuoteToms River Solar Irradiance
Solar panel production varies throughout the year based on daylight hours, weather patterns, and sun intensity. Understanding how seasons affect your solar system helps set realistic expectations for your investment.
Toms River gets about 206 sunny days per year. Coastal humidity and seasonal cloud cover affect output, but a well-designed system still produces strong results year-round.
Solar Production in Toms River by Month
What Can Your Solar System Power?
Summer Production (July)
In July, your 10 kW system could power:
- 3.6 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Run central AC for 18 hours AND power all other appliances
- or Fully charge 5.4 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Winter Production (December)
In December, your 10 kW system could power:
- 2 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Keep your home heating system running for 15 hours
- or Fully charge 3 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Annual Production
Over a year, your 10 kW system could:
- Offset 10 tons of carbon dioxide emissions
- or Equal the environmental benefit of planting 175 trees
- or Save approximately $4,234 in electricity costs
Want to know exactly how much solar can power your home?
Get a personalized solar analysis based on your actual home, energy usage, and roof characteristics.
Get My Custom EstimateSolar Panel Systems in Toms River
We mapped solar installations across Toms River to show just how many of your neighbors have already made the switch. Explore the map below to see which neighborhoods and communities are leading the way — and find out how active solar adoption is right where you live.
Leasing Solar Panels
In New Jersey, Palmetto offers a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) through its LightReach program — available to Toms River homeowners served by Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), PSE&G, Atlantic City Electric, and Orange & Rockland. With a PPA, you pay for the solar energy your system produces at a set rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh), rather than a fixed monthly amount. Because solar panels produce more in summer than winter, your bill will vary slightly by season — but your annual savings stay consistent.
Compared to buying a system outright with cash, a PPA has some meaningful advantages. There’s no large upfront investment, and Palmetto owns and maintains the system throughout the agreement. That means no surprise repair bills, no monitoring headaches, and no out-of-pocket costs if something needs to be fixed. Palmetto also backs LightReach with a 90% production guarantee, so you know what to expect from your system.
For many Toms River homeowners, a PPA is simply a more accessible way to go solar. You start saving on electricity from day one — without the financial risk or maintenance responsibility that comes with ownership. Learn more about the difference between buying and leasing solar to decide which path makes the most sense for your home.
Go solar without the investment
With LightReach, there are no investment costs to recoup, loan payments to manage, or maintenance needs to take on. As soon as your panels are active, your solar savings are too!
Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Yes, solar makes strong sense for Toms River homeowners. New Jersey ranks 5th in the nation for residential solar, and with electricity rates rising 18% since 2021, generating your own power helps protect against future increases. Toms River gets about 4.8 peak sun hours daily, and homeowners can save an average of ~$96,000 over 25 years.
Upfront cost doesn’t have to be a barrier. Palmetto’s LightReach lease program lets Toms River homeowners go solar with no money down, starting savings from day one — with payments as low as $93/month.
Yes, Toms River homeowners have access to net metering through Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L). New Jersey requires JCP&L to credit solar customers at a 1:1 ratio — meaning every kilowatt-hour (kWh) you send to the grid is credited at the full retail electricity rate. Excess credits carry over month to month on a per-kWh basis.
At your anniversary month (which defaults to your Permission to Operate date), any remaining unused credits are trued up at the avoided cost rate (approximately 3–5¢/kWh), and your account resets to zero. You can change your anniversary month one time by contacting JCP&L directly.
Yes. Solar panels can increase your home’s value in Toms River. According to a Zillow study, homes with solar panels sell for about 4.1% more than comparable homes without them. On a $400,000 Toms River home, that’s roughly $16,400 in added value.
New Jersey also offers a 100% property tax exemption on the added value from solar, meaning your property taxes won’t increase — even as your home’s market value does. It’s one of the most homeowner-friendly solar policies in the country.
With Palmetto’s LightReach lease, Toms River homeowners can go solar for no upfront cost — with fixed monthly payments starting as low as $93/month for a smaller home. There’s no large investment required, and Palmetto handles all maintenance.
If you prefer a cash purchase, a typical 9.78 kW system in Toms River runs around $28,916. Note that the federal 30% residential solar tax credit was eliminated by the Big Beautiful Bill. Use the calculator above for a personalized estimate based on your home size.
For many Toms River homeowners, solar is financially worthwhile — especially with a lease option. Through Palmetto’s LightReach program, your monthly lease payment is typically less than your current electricity bill, meaning you can start saving from day one with no upfront investment required.
New Jersey’s rising electricity rates (up 18% since 2021) make solar even more compelling over time. Toms River homeowners who go solar can save an average of ~$96,000 over 25 years, while also benefiting from net metering, a sales tax exemption, and a 100% property tax exemption on added home value.
Palmetto Solar is a top choice for Toms River homeowners. As a national company with a strong local presence, we’ve completed 612 installations across New Jersey since 2020. Our vetted install network ensures quality workmanship, and we back every system with a 90% production guarantee.
We also offer some of the most flexible financing options available — including our LightReach lease program with no upfront cost and payments starting as low as $93/month. Whether you prefer to lease or purchase, we make going solar straightforward for Toms River residents.
Palmetto’s LightReach is an all-inclusive solar lease — one monthly payment covers the system, installation, monitoring, maintenance, and a 90% Production Guarantee. There is no upfront cost. Because Palmetto owns the system, it claims the commercial Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and passes those savings to you through lower payments.
For a typical 9.78 kW system in Toms River, the estimated lease payment is approximately $130/month — often less than your current electricity bill, so many homeowners start saving from day one.