Momentum Solar
Your Numbers
kWh per year — CT average ~8,500
$
per kWh
$
per month — what utility would charge for same kWh
% increase per year
$
per kWh
% increase per year
Payment Trend
Year-by-Year Breakdown
YearUtility
Monthly		Solar Monthly
(before EPP)		Solar Monthly
(EPP)		Yearly
Savings
Your 25-Year Summary
💡

If You Do Nothing

$0
Total utility payments over 25 years
📈

Savings (before EPP)

$0
💰

Savings With EPP Pricing

$0
💡 What is Efficient Partner Pricing (EPP)? ▼
Save Even More

Efficient Partner Pricing (EPP) rewards homeowners who help us operate efficiently. It's the same idea insurance companies use with non-smoker discounts — people who cost less to serve get better rates.

Here's how it works for you:

  • You set aside time to go through all the information and upgrade to solar in one visit
  • That saves us from making a second trip to your home
  • Each home we don't have to revisit lets us help one additional homeowner that month
  • We pass those efficiency savings back to you as a lower monthly rate

To lock in your EPP rate today, we just need three things:

  • ✅ Sign the agreement — get your solar journey started right now
  • ✅ Schedule your Engineering Visit — we send a specialist to finalize your custom system design
  • ✅ Set up autopay — enroll in automatic bank draft (ACH) to waive the monthly billing fee and lock in your lowest rate

It's a win-win. You get a better price today, and we get to help more families switch to solar. That's why the EPP rate you see above is lower than our standard pricing.

📄 Your Solar Lease — What You're Signing Up For

▼
1. Who Is This Agreement Between? ▼

This agreement is between you (the homeowner) and IGS Solar, LLC (the company that owns and maintains the solar system).

IGS Solar leases the equipment to you. You pay a monthly amount to use the system and keep the power it generates. IGS handles installation, insurance, repairs, and monitoring for the full 25 years.

All obligations start on the "Transaction Date" listed on your agreement — that's the day you sign.

2. How Long Is This Agreement? ▼

This is a 25-year lease — 300 months total. Think of it like leasing a car, but for solar panels.

The clock starts on the first day of the month right after your system gets turned on and connected to the grid. We call that the "Interconnection Date." Every year after that is a "Contract Year."

What this means for you: You're locking in your solar rate for 25 years. No renegotiating, no surprises. After 25 years, you choose what happens next — renew, buy the system, or let us remove it for free.

3. Your Monthly Payment ▼

You pay one fixed monthly amount for using the solar system. That's it. No equipment costs, no installation fees, no maintenance bills.

When you sign up, you'll set up automatic payment by credit card, debit card, or bank transfer (ACH). If you set up auto-pay through your bank (ACH), we usually waive the small monthly billing fee — so it's basically free to pay.

You'll get an email invoice every month. If a payment bounces, there's a standard returned-check fee (same as any other bill). If you're late, the fee is 1.5% per month on the past-due amount.

Sales tax may apply to your monthly payment, just like it does on your utility bill. That's normal.

Bottom line: Set it and forget it. One predictable payment. No utility bill roller coaster.

4. What Each Side Handles ▼

What IGS handles (so you don't have to):

  • Installation and construction start to finish
  • A revenue-grade meter that tracks every kilowatt-hour your system produces
  • Insurance on the system against damage or loss
  • All repairs if something breaks
  • No lien on your house — your home title stays clean. We may file a simple equipment notice (like a car loan notice) just to show we own the panels, but that's it

What we ask from you:

  • Keep trees and bushes trimmed so they don't shade the panels
  • Don't clean or modify the system yourself — call us if something looks off
  • Tell us ASAP if you see damage or something missing
  • Sign permit and inspection paperwork within 7 days when we send it
  • Keep your internet on — the monitoring system needs a connection to track performance. We can use your WiFi or install a cellular gateway
  • Get HOA approval if your neighborhood requires it
  • Don't use the system to heat a pool or hot tub
  • Share utility bills when we ask — helps us verify your savings

Roof work: If you're getting a new roof or doing construction that affects the panels, give us 30 days' notice. We'll coordinate removal and reinstallation. You keep paying your lease during any brief downtime.

Access: We need to get on your roof occasionally for maintenance or monitoring. We'll always try to give you reasonable notice. Access continues for 90 days after the lease ends, just in case we need to remove the system.

Bottom line: IGS handles the technical stuff. You handle basic homeowner stuff. Fair trade.

5. Before We Install ▼

Before installation day, we do our homework:

  • Engineering site audit to make sure your roof is solid
  • Final system design customized for your home
  • Real estate due diligence
  • All city permits, zoning, and building approvals
  • We claim any available rebates and renewable energy credits

You just need to return any paperwork we send you and get HOA approval if it applies.

If for some reason your roof can't support solar or the city won't approve it, we can cancel the agreement — but that's rare and protects both of us.

6. Changes to This Agreement ▼

The only way this agreement changes is if both of us sign a written amendment. No handshake deals, no verbal promises. We can fix utility paperwork to match the lease terms, but nothing changes your rate or your obligations without your signature.

7. Your Warranties ▼

Your protection comes from two documents:

  • The Limited Warranty (Exhibit 2) — covers defects, workmanship, and materials for 25 years
  • The Production Guarantee (Exhibit 3) — makes sure your system performs

Those two documents cover everything that matters. IGS doesn't make promises beyond what's in those exhibits — but honestly, they cover all the important stuff.

8. Can IGS Sell This Lease to Someone Else? ▼

Your lease may be transferred to a qualified financing partner — just like your mortgage gets sold to another bank. This is standard for solar leases.

Your rate, your terms, your warranty — nothing changes for you. The new company takes over the backend, and the old company is off the hook. Same as when your mortgage gets sold.

9. Who Owns the Equipment? ▼

IGS owns the panels, inverters, and equipment. It's considered personal property — like a leased car, not a built-in appliance. It doesn't become part of your house.

You can't let anyone put a lien on the equipment. If a contractor you hire separately tries to file a lien on the panels, you have 30 days to clear it.

Bottom line: You get all the benefits of solar without the headaches of ownership.

10. Who Owns the Power? ▼

You do. Every kilowatt-hour that hits your roof is yours. That's what you're paying for — the power, not the hardware.

11. Tax Credits & Incentives ▼

Since IGS owns the equipment, we claim the federal tax credits, state rebates, and renewable energy credits (SRECs). That's how we can offer you such a low monthly rate. We take the tax benefits on the front end, you take the savings on the back end. Win-win.

You'll need to sign some utility paperwork so we can process the incentives, but that's standard and takes two minutes.

Bottom line: The tax credits are baked into your low monthly payment. You're already getting the benefit — just in the form of savings instead of a tax form.

12. Can You Buy the System Later? Yes. ▼

Starting at year 5, you can buy the system outright if you want. The price is based on whichever is more fair:

  • Your remaining payments at a discount: All remaining lease payments, discounted at 5% per year. Basically "pay off the lease early at a discount."
  • What the system is actually worth: An independent appraiser figures out the fair market value. IGS pays for the appraisal.

If you buy it, you get any remaining manufacturer warranties and a bill of sale. From that day on, you're responsible for maintenance and repairs — just like you own it.

Bottom line: You have an exit ramp. Most people don't buy because the lease savings are already great, but the option is there if your situation changes.

13. What If You Sell Your House? ▼

You have three easy options. Most buyers love taking over a solar lease because it means lower electric bills from day one.

Option 1: Transfer the lease. Give us 30 days' notice, we run a quick credit check on the buyer. If they qualify, they take over the payments. This is the most common route — buyers see solar as a selling point.

Option 2: Prepay the lease. Pay off the remaining payments in a lump sum. The new owner pays nothing but still gets the solar power. Great for cash buyers.

Option 3: Buy the system (only if you're past year 5) and include it in the home sale. Now the buyer owns the panels free and clear.

Bottom line: Solar doesn't trap you in your house. It's a selling point. And if none of these work, talk to us — we want to help, not punish.

14. What Happens After Year 25? ▼

About 3 months before your lease ends, we mail you renewal forms. You have three choices:

  • Renew — sign the forms and keep going
  • Decline — sign the forms saying you're done, and the lease ends
  • Do nothing — your lease continues year-to-year at the same low rate, and you can stop anytime with 30 days' notice

If you don't renew or buy, we can remove the system for free at a time that works for you. Or we may transfer ownership to you as-is at no charge, and the system becomes yours to keep.

Bottom line: No cliff at year 25. You have options, and if you want out, we clean up after ourselves.

15. System Removal ▼

If you don't renew or buy after 25 years, we can remove the system for free and schedule it at your convenience. We'll take the panels off, seal the roof penetrations, and leave your roof as close to original as possible.

Or we may transfer ownership to you as-is at no charge, and the system becomes yours to keep.

16. Storms, Damage & Insurance ▼

Unless you intentionally damage the panels or are grossly negligent, IGS covers everything — hail, wind, fire, theft, you name it.

Your lease payment stays the same during repairs, but remember — you're still getting power from the grid, so your lights stay on while we fix the system. The repair is on us, not you.

Bottom line: Sleep easy. A tree falls on your roof? Not your wallet. Lightning strikes an inverter? We replace it.

17. Liability Limits ▼

If something goes wrong, IGS is only on the hook for direct damages — not lost profits, emotional distress, or other indirect stuff. Your liability to IGS is capped at what you'd owe under the default section.

Standard lease language. Every contract has it.

18. When Would This Go Bad? ▼

You're in default if:

  • You miss a payment and it's 30+ days late
  • You break a major rule and don't fix it within 14 days of us notifying you
  • You alter the system without permission
  • You give us false info on the application
  • You try to sell or transfer the lease without our okay
  • You go into bankruptcy or foreclosure

Bottom line: Pay your bill, don't mess with the equipment, and be honest. Do that, and you'll never think about this section. 99% of customers don't.

19. What Happens If Things Go South? ▼

This is the worst-case scenario section. If you default, we can try to fix the situation, take the system back, ask for the remaining value, or report it to credit bureaus.

This almost never happens because most people just pay their bill and enjoy the savings. If you're struggling, call us before you miss a payment — we'd rather work with you than against you.

20. Credit Check ▼

We run your credit when you apply. We report your payment history to credit bureaus.

Pay on time, build credit. Miss payments, it can hurt — just like any other bill. Standard stuff.

21. Photos of Your System ▼

We might take pictures of the panels on your roof for our website or marketing materials. Your name, address, and personal details stay private.

Your house might be a solar model home. No big deal.

22. Waivers ▼

If we don't enforce a rule one time, that doesn't mean we can't enforce it later. Standard contract language.

23. Legal Stuff ▼

This agreement follows the laws of your state. If there's a dispute, it gets handled in your local courts. No jury trials, no class actions — just straightforward resolution.

Standard legal boilerplate. Every contract has it.

24. Notices ▼

Important stuff has to be in writing — email, mail, or hand delivery. No "he said, she said."

25. The Whole Deal ▼

This document is the whole deal. No side agreements unless both of us sign them. If a court says one part doesn't work, the rest still stands.

26. Your Right to Cancel — 7-Day Safety Net ▼

You have 7 business days to change your mind. Zero cost. Zero hassle.

Sleep on it. Talk to your spouse. Google us. If you're not 100% in, cancel within a week and it's like it never happened. We'll refund any payments within 10 business days.

To cancel, just send a written notice to:

IGS Solar, LLC
6100 Emerald Parkway
Dublin, Ohio 43016
Email: SolarSupport@igs.com

Before You Sign ▼

By signing, you're saying:

  • "I've read this agreement and I understand it's legally binding"
  • "I know utility rates change over time, so savings can vary month to month — but over 25 years, the math is strongly in my favor"

Don't sign if there are blank spaces. Everything should be filled in before you put pen to paper.

Bottom line: You're making an informed decision. No pressure, no rush. You have 7 days to back out. Let me make sure every blank is filled and every question is answered before you sign.

Your 25-Year Warranty ▼

System Warranty: Professional install, free from defects in workmanship and materials for 25 years under normal use.

Roof Warranty: All roof penetrations are watertight for 5 years. If we put a hole in your roof, we seal it right.

Operation: The system will operate within manufacturer specs. If not, we repair or replace defective parts and restore operation.

Monitoring: Free monitoring for the full 25 years (unless you buy the system). We watch your production remotely. If something's off, we know before you do and we fix it.

Claims: Email SolarSupport@igs.com, call 888.974.0114, or mail overnight to 6100 Emerald Parkway, Dublin, OH 43016 — ATTN: IGS Residential Solar.

What's NOT covered: Damage you cause, unauthorized repairs, new tree growth shading the panels, or failures not caused by a system defect. Acts of God (hurricanes, earthquakes) — but remember, IGS still insures the system against those.

Bottom line: You're covered for 25 years. If the system breaks, underperforms, or leaks — we handle it. That's the whole point of leasing instead of buying.

Best Solar Panels & Inverters NJ 2026 | Hardware Buying Guide
🔧 Hardware Guide

Best Solar Panels & Inverters NJ 2026

Tier 1 breakdown, microinverter advantages, Nor’easter durability, temperature coefficients, coastal salt mist specs, Enphase vs SolarEdge.

Omar Jackson
Omar Jackson — Hardware Engineering & Durability Expert I’ve tested 100+ panel brands in NJ weather. I know which systems survive ice storms, salt spray, and winter shade. No budget panels on my roofs.

If you were buying a car, you wouldn’t just ask for “whatever engine is cheapest.” You’d look under the hood, compare horsepower, check reliability ratings, and understand the warranty. Yet thousands of New Jersey homeowners sign 25-year solar contracts every year without ever asking what brand of silicon is going on their roof.

In 2026, the solar market is flooded with cheap imported equipment. When the high humidity of a South Jersey summer hits, or a heavy Nor’easter dumps a foot of wet snow on your panels, cheap hardware fails. If you want maximum ROI, you must demand premium equipment.

📊 The “Tier 1” Myth Decoded

Many sales reps boast that their panels are “Tier 1.” But Tier 1 is a financial metric created by Bloomberg New Energy Finance, meaning the company is financially stable enough to honor its 25-year warranty. It does NOT mean the panel is highly efficient or built for NJ weather. You still need to evaluate the actual engineering specs.

The Three Engineering Specs That Actually Matter for NJ

When reviewing a solar proposal, ignore marketing fluff. These three specs determine how your system performs in New Jersey’s brutal weather:

Engineering Specification Why It Matters in NJ 2026 Premium Benchmark
Degradation Rate Panels lose 0.5–0.8% efficiency per year. Over 25 years, this compounds. Cheap panels degrade faster, especially in humid climates. Guaranteed ≥85% output at Year 25
Temperature Coefficient Heat kills solar production. NJ summers hit 95°F+ with 80%+ humidity. Every degree above 77°F reduces efficiency by this percentage. Better than -0.30% per °C
Snow/Wind Load Rating Nor’easters dump heavy, wet snow. Ice storms stress mounting hardware. Cheap frames crack under load. Coastal salt spray corrodes aluminum. 5400 Pa (Front) / 2400 Pa (Rear)

Top Tier 1 Panel Brands for NJ (2026 Recommendations)

REC Alpha Pure Series

Swedish engineering. All-black monocrystalline N-Type cells. 23% efficiency. Temperature coefficient: -0.29°C. 5400 Pa wind load. 25-year output guarantee ≥87%. Excellent salt mist performance (IEC 61701 certified). Premium pricing, but bulletproof warranty.

Qcells Q.PEAK DUO BLK

South Korean Tier 1. Half-cut cell design. All-black aesthetic. 22–23% efficiency. Temperature coefficient: -0.29°C. 5400 Pa load rating. Excellent degradation curve (≤0.5%/year). Good value-to-performance ratio. Proven track record in NJ installations.

Maxeon IBC (all-black)

Backed by SunPower. Interdigitated back-contact design eliminates front gridlines. 22.5% efficiency. Temperature coefficient: -0.29°C. Premium durability in coastal environments. Higher price point, but legendary reliability and 25-year warranty.

Inverter Wars: String Inverter vs. Microinverter vs. Hybrid Optimizers

Solar panels collect DC sunlight. The inverter is the “brain” that converts that sunlight into AC power for your home. Choosing the wrong inverter in New Jersey is the #1 reason systems underperform in autumn/winter.

⚠️ The “String Inverter” Trap: Why It Fails in NJ

Cheap installers use central “String Inverters.” This links all your panels together like old Christmas lights: if ONE panel is shaded by autumn leaves or morning snow, the output of your ENTIRE roof drops to match that one shaded panel. In New Jersey, with dense tree canopies and heavy winter snow, this is a disaster. A single shaded panel can reduce your whole system’s output by 30–50%.

❌ Central String Inverter

  • All panels wired in series (one failing = all fail)
  • One shaded panel reduces entire roof output
  • Autumn leaves = 20–50% production loss
  • Winter snow buildup = complete shutdown
  • Inverter fails year 12, costs $2,000+ to replace
  • Typical lifespan: 12–15 years
  • Poor performance monitoring (can’t see individual panel data)

✓ Module-Level Electronics (Microinverters)

  • One microinverter under every panel (independent operation)
  • Shaded panel reduces only that panel’s output
  • Autumn leaves = minimal system impact
  • Winter snow = unshaded panels keep producing
  • Inverter lasts 25 years (matches panel warranty)
  • Exceptional lifespan: 25+ years
  • Real-time monitoring per-panel (spot problems instantly)

Microinverters Deep Dive: Enphase vs. SolarEdge

Both Enphase and SolarEdge offer module-level control, but they work differently. Understanding the architecture helps you choose the right system for your roof.

Feature Enphase IQ8 Microinverters SolarEdge + DC Optimizers
Architecture One microinverter directly under each panel (converts DC to AC at the panel) DC optimizers under each panel; central inverter at home (converts DC to AC at one point)
Efficiency Loss 96.5–97.5% (minimal) 96–97% (optimizer + central inverter losses)
Independent Panel Operation ✓ Yes (each panel fully independent) ✓ Yes (optimizer controls each panel independently)
Lifespan 25 years (matches panel warranty) Central inverter 12–15 years; optimizers 25 years
Monitoring Real-time per-panel data via Enlighten app Real-time per-panel data via monitoring portal
Installation Complexity Requires AC wiring to each panel; more labor DC wiring to each panel; AC runs to central inverter (easier)
Scalability Easy to add panels later (each acts independently) May require central inverter upgrade if expanding beyond 13 kW
Cost Higher upfront (microinverters are pricey) Mid-range (optimizers cheaper than microinverters)
Battery Integration Enphase IQ Battery only (not all batteries work) SolarEdge StorEdge battery or Tesla Powerwall 3

Enphase IQ8 Microinverter Advantages (Best for NJ)

Enphase microinverters are the gold standard for New Jersey installations. Here’s why:

  • True panel independence. Each panel is a self-contained power station. Shaded, snowy, or obstructed panels don’t drag down the rest of the roof.
  • 25-year lifespan. Unlike SolarEdge’s central inverter (12–15 years), Enphase microinverters last as long as the panels themselves. No $2,000 replacement cost at year 12.
  • Per-panel monitoring. You can see which panels are producing at any moment. If one underperforms, you spot the issue immediately (bird droppings, leaf buildup, hardware failure).
  • Autumn/winter resilience. Heavy snow or fallen leaves on one panel = minimal impact. Unshaded panels keep producing at full capacity.
  • Grid support features. Enphase IQ8 supports grid services (reactive power, voltage support), future-proofing your system as utilities demand more from distributed solar.

SolarEdge + DC Optimizers: When to Consider

SolarEdge is a solid alternative if:

  • You want lower upfront cost (optimizers are cheaper than microinverters).
  • You plan to add a SolarEdge StorEdge battery later (integrated, optimized system).
  • Your roof has minimal shading (SolarEdge still has a central inverter bottleneck, so partial shade affects all panels).
  • You’re comfortable replacing the central inverter at year 12–15 ($1,500–$2,500).

Our recommendation: For New Jersey’s autumn leaves, winter snow, and dense tree canopies, Enphase IQ8 microinverters are the superior choice. The 25-year lifespan and true panel-level independence justify the higher upfront cost.

Coastal Homes: Salt Mist Corrosion Testing (IEC 61701)

If you live in coastal towns like Toms River, Ocean City, Cape May, Belmar, or Seaside Park, salt air corrosion is a real threat. Your proposal MUST specify panels that have passed the IEC 61701 Salt Mist Corrosion Test.

This certification guarantees the aluminum frames, wiring harnesses, and junction boxes won’t rust out after a decade of ocean breeze. Cheap imported panels often skip this testing — they work fine in Arizona, but fail after 5–7 years in coastal New Jersey.

Brands like REC Alpha, Qcells, and Maxeon all certify for salt mist. Always demand proof in your contract.

Temperature Coefficient Deep Dive: Why It Matters

Temperature coefficient is measured in negative percentage points per degree Celsius. For example, REC Alpha has -0.29°C, meaning for every degree above 77°F (the STC reference temperature), efficiency drops 0.29%.

On a 95°F July afternoon in New Jersey (18°F above reference), your panel efficiency drops: 18 × 0.29% = 5.22% loss. Over a 25-year lifespan, this compounds. Premium panels with -0.29°C lose less efficiency; cheap panels at -0.40°C lose significantly more.

Best-in-class panels: -0.27°C or better. Budget panels: -0.35°C or worse. Over 25 years, the premium panel produces approximately 7–10% more total energy.

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s true that black surfaces absorb more heat. However, premium all-black panels (REC Alpha, Qcells BLK, Maxeon) are specifically engineered with advanced thermal management backsheets and excellent temperature coefficients. The aesthetic benefit of a seamless, invisible roof far outweighs the negligible 1–2% summer efficiency loss. Most NJ homeowners accept this trade-off for curb appeal.
Enphase IQ8 microinverters come with a 25-year warranty matching your panel warranty. Unlike central string inverters (which typically fail at year 12 for $2,000+ replacement), Enphase units are built for longevity. Enphase Microinverter 7T units installed 10+ years ago still operate at 99%+ efficiency. Expected lifespan: 25–30 years.
IEC 61701 is an international standard testing salt mist corrosion. Panels are exposed to 5% salt spray at 95°F for 1,000 hours. It measures whether aluminum frames, wiring, and junction boxes resist rust. Coastal NJ homes MUST have this certification. Insist on proof in your contract before signing. Brands passing: REC, Qcells, Maxeon. Budget brands often skip this test.
No. “Tier 1” means the company is financially stable and bankable (won’t go out of business). It does NOT guarantee panel efficiency, durability, or temperature performance. A company can be Tier 1 and still make mediocre panels. Always verify engineering specs (efficiency, temperature coefficient, degradation rate) separately.
Enphase IQ8: Best for maximum monitoring, independent panel operation, no battery needed. SolarEdge: Best if you want battery backup, load shifting, and grid independence. SolarEdge also uses DC optimizers (similar to Enphase) for independent panel operation. Both are premium. Choose Enphase if you want monitoring flexibility; choose SolarEdge if you want battery backup later.
1% efficiency difference sounds small, but over 25 years, it compounds. A 23% panel produces approximately 4–5% more total energy than a 22% panel over its lifetime. For a typical 8–10 panel system, that’s $1,000–$2,000 in additional energy production. It’s worth paying for premium efficiency, especially in NJ with limited roof space.

Get a Premium 3D Hardware Design

We don’t sell cheap equipment. Request a free 3D roof scan and we’ll build a custom engineering proposal using only Tier 1 panels and Enphase microinverters. See exactly what goes on your roof before you sign.

⚙️ Get Your Premium Hardware Quote

Takes 2 minutes. 3D design included. Tier 1 brands guaranteed.

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