I get a lot of questions from people thinking about installing a solar energy system in their home here in New Jersey.  Usually, your solar contractor will take care of this for you but from time to time I have seen smaller solar companies ask the home owner to take on that responsibility.

This applies to whether you are leasing or purchasing the system.

• In order to get SRECs, there is an application to the State of New Jersey Clean Energy program. This is usually done by the installer. You can learn more about this from the program brochure here.
• Your utility has an application and a follow-up as-built verification and sometime inspection. This is how you take advantage of net metering.  Here is a link to a solar FAQ at First Energy.
• You will need a construction permit from your local municipality building department.  A fee is required and inspectors will come out to inspect the project along the way.
• Some towns require a zoning permit even if your installation is on the roof.  A simple plot plan will have to be submitted showing where the system will be installed and the size of it.
• For ground mount systems, zoning is required even if the system confirms to all of the usual requirements for an accessory structure.
• In the case of a non-conforming installation (i.e. less than the required distance from the rear property line or side property lien) a variance application will be required along with a site plan showing all of the relevant data for the system installation and the zoning issues.  This may require the assistance of a lawyer.
• Once the system is completed and inspected by the local municipality, an as-built drawing and application must be submitted to the utility and then to the State of NJ for final approvals.

Generally, this is a straight forward process but, as you can see, there is a fair amount of paperwork involved in getting your system installed and then approved for operation after installation.