Top 7 Best Solar Companies in New Jersey (2023 Reviews)

In this guide to New Jersey’s best solar companies, you’ll learn:

  • Who are the top 7 best solar providers in New Jersey?
  • How did we evaluate New Jersey’s solar companies?
  • What should New Jerseyites look for when choosing a solar company?
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What Are New Jersey’s Top 7 Solar Energy Companies?

In a state with such effective solar incentives, it’s important to choose a solar provider that knows the ins and outs of local energy policies. This way, you can make sure you get the most value out of your investment in solar.

With this in mind, here are our choices for the best solar companies in New Jersey:

  1. SunPower: Best National Provider
  2. Green Power Energy: Outstanding Regional Installer
  3. Trinity Solar: Solar Veteran
  4. New Jersey Solar Power: Best Local Installer
  5. Solar Energy World: Best Warranty
  6. Impact Solar LLC: Budget Friendly
  7. Momentum Solar: Most User Friendly

For many residents of New Jersey, the cost of solar is the biggest factor in choosing an installer. We recommend shopping around to get multiple quotes and comparing them to find the best installer for your home.

To get started with free, no-pressure quotes from pre-screened solar panel companies in your area, click one of the links below.

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SunPower

Best National Provider

Nationwide Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Read full review now

Pros

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer
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Green Power Energy

Outstanding Regional Installer

Regional Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Pros

  • Educational, no-pressure sales approach
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Multitude of products and services

Cons

  • Relatively young company
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Trinity Solar

Solar Veteran

Regional Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Pros

  • Many financing options
  • Family-owned and -operated
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Relatively short workmanship warranty

Cons

  • Limited service area
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New Jersey Solar Power

Outstanding Local Installer

Local Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Pros

  • Many financing options
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers

Cons

  • No leases or PPAs
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Solar Energy World

Outstanding Regional Installer

Regional Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Pros

  • Excellent reputation
  • Independently owned and operated
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers

Cons

  • Some reported communication issues
  • Less personalization than competitors offer
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Impact Solar, LLC

Budget Friendly

Local Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Pros

  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation

Cons

  • Slightly limited service area
  • Slightly limited service offerings
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Momentum Solar

Best Regional Coverage

Regional Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Read full review now

Pros

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Representatives are experts on local policies

Cons

  • Slightly limited service offerings
  • Only available in 11 states

How to Save Money When Hiring a Solar Company in New Jersey

Most New Jersey homeowners spend roughly $19,400 on a home solar panel system, which comes out to $13,500 after factoring in the 30% federal solar tax credit (ITC).

These costs reflect the average solar panel system size of 7 kilowatts (kW), but you might be able to save money on solar panels if a smaller system could be installed on your home.

Breaking it down per watt, the cost of solar panels in New Jersey is about $2.77 — about 4% higher than the national average of $2.66 per watt. But don’t be discouraged. Homes in New Jersey also have lower energy needs compared to the average U.S. household, using about 200 kilowatt-hours less on average per month. That means a typical solar panel system in New Jersey will be more than enough to meet the needs of most homeowners.

Additionally, there are several ways you can save money on going solar:

  • Take advantage of solar incentives
  • Choose the right brand of solar equipment
  • Pick a company with a strong warranty
  • Pay in cash if possible

New Jersey Solar Incentives

Solar is becoming more and more popular in New Jersey because there are more and more financial incentives for homeowners who go solar. And after all, who doesn’t like extra money?

When you consider New Jersey solar incentives and electricity prices, it’s possible to get a solar payback period of less than six years. That’s awesome news for an investment that has a service life of 25 years or more.

Below is an overview of some of the solar incentives available in New Jersey:

New Jersey Solar Incentive New Jersey Solar Incentive Overview
Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC) The federal solar investment tax credit, or ITC, allows homeowners to claim 30% of their system costs as a credit against the federal taxes they owe. As it stands, the credit is set to reduce to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034 and will be eliminated for residential systems in 2035.1
New Jersey Net Metering New Jersey offers a robust net metering program that gives solar panel owners credits for the unused electricity generated by their panels. These credits can be used to pay for energy pulled from the grid at night.
Solar Sales Tax Exemption New Jersey residents do not have to pay the state’s 6.625% sales tax on solar panels or other eligible solar equipment.
Solar Property Tax Exemption Installing solar panels boosts your property value in New Jersey, but the state doesn’t require you to pay any additional property taxes that would typically come with home add-ons.
Transition Renewable Energy Certificates (TRECs) TRECs allow homeowners to receive cash payments or utility bill credits for all renewable energy their panels generate. You earn one TREC for every 1,000 kWh generated by your solar panels, and each TREC sells for $91.20 (as of November 2021).

Choose the Right Solar Equipment Brand for New Jersey

As with other types of equipment, solar equipment has brand name labels that often correlate with quality and efficiency. Sure, it may cost a little more up front to pay for high-efficiency panels like those from SunPower, but with stronger panels, you’ll need fewer of them to power your home.

It’s probably wise to invest in a higher-efficiency solar panel brand in New Jersey because the state is not exactly known for its strong sunshine. Choosing a brand like SunPower will ensure that you get the most production out of your panels and a shorter solar payback period.

That said, The Garden State sees an average 206 sunny days a year (the national average is 205) making solar well worth it in New Jersey. That also means you could probably save money by picking a middle-of-the-line solar panel brand, like REC or Qcells and still be satisfied with your solar energy production.

Pick a Company With a Strong Warranty

If you live in New Jersey, you’ve just about seen it all when it comes to weather. You’ve survived blizzards, hurricanes and power outages, and with worsening climate change, who knows what’s next?

That’s why it’s extra important for New Jersey homeowners to choose a solar company that offers strong warranty coverage, like SunPower or Solar Energy World. Going solar is a hefty investment, so you’ll be grateful to have 25-year peace of mind that your money is well protected. Plus, it will help you avoid costly repair and replacement fees should your system be damaged or fail.

With that in mind, it’s also important to choose a company that has a reputation for good customer service, as an installer’s warranty coverage isn’t worth much if no one ever answers your call.

Pay In Cash (If You Can)

The way in which you choose to pay for your solar panels will affect the total cost of installation. We always recommend paying in cash if you can, or at least as much in cash as you can.

Cash purchases require the highest payments up front, but they save the most over time because they don’t require you to pay interest. Solar panel loans may make your equipment more affordable up front, but you’ll save less in the long run because of the interest you’ll pay over time.

new jersey's best solar company offer good savings options

See Also: Calculate How Much You Can Save By Going Solar

Will Solar Increase Your Home Value in New Jersey?

Multiple studies have shown that solar panels do increase the value of a home. In a 2022 EcoWatch survey, 63% of respondents said they would pay more for a home with solar panels than a home without.

Research from Zillow shows that homes with solar panels typically sell for 4% more compared to homes without.1 In New Jersey, where the average home costs roughly $551,000, that’s an expected increase of more than $22,000 — likely more than enough to pay back your solar energy system.

The payback may be even greater depending on where you live. If you live near the greater New York City metropolitan area, your home premium could increase by roughly $24,000.

Should New Jersey Residents Hire a Professional Solar Installer or DIY?

If you’re a pretty handy homeowner or have some experience with roofing or electrical work, you might consider a DIY solar panel installation to save money on labor costs.

But how much will it save you, really? And is DIY solar installation a good idea? Let’s look at some advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of DIY Solar Installation in New Jersey

You Can Save Money

If you choose a solar company, you’ll pay them for services like solar panel design and installation labor costs. By eliminating those two expenses, you can shave major dollars off the total price tag.

You Can Start Small

If you’re interested in trying out solar and don’t want to commit to a system big enough to power your home, buying a DIY solar panel kit is a good way to “test drive” the solar lifestyle.

Disadvantages of DIY Solar Installation in New Jersey

You’ll Spend More on Lower-Quality Equipment

Professional installers are generally able to buy top-quality solar panels, solar inverters and solar batteries from wholesale distributors, which means they can collect and access a wider range of products and get them for lower prices than those available to the general public.

You Face Safety and Structural Risks

If you’re not confident in what you’re doing, the thousands of dollars you’ll save will just turn into more money spent on repairing or replacing your solar equipment, and potentially your roof as well. Worst case scenario: you’re also facing medical bills for the danger you put yourself in to climb up on a roof.

You Have to Take Care of Permitting, Inspections and Interconnection

Depending on where you live, you may need to be a certified electrician to install your own solar panel system. Even if that’s not the case, you’ll still need permits and to figure out grid interconnection, which requires specialized knowledge and expertise.

The smallest things can go wrong and lead to rejection of permits by your local government, or worse, a major electrical mishap.

Also, your solar installer has experience with solar energy in New Jersey, so it may be able to get you set up with better incentives or solar equipment rebates that you may not know about if you’re going solar on your own.

Bottom Line: If you’re considering a DIY solar installation, we still recommend talking with a certified solar installer first. They’ll survey your house to make sure you’re even a good candidate for solar panels, and many solar installation companies offer consultations for free.

Even if you do decide to install solar panels yourself, having a company (or two) come to the house first will only help you gain more insight on how to complete a successful install.

What Should New Jersey Residents Look For in a Solar Installer?

top solar providers in new jersey

Choosing the best solar company for your needs is key to having a successful solar panel system. But there are considerations that make certain installers a better option in the State of New Jersey compared to how we’d rank them for other states.

New Jersey homeowners should pay special attention to the following attributes when choosing a solar company:

  • A strong warranty
  • Services offered
  • Pricing and payment options
  • Solar industry affiliations

A Strong Warranty

As discussed earlier, New Jersey’s severe weather patterns make a company with a strong warranty even more desirable in The Garden State. You should choose a company with a 25-year manufacturer warranty and a production warranty of at least 15 years (although longer is better).

Services Offered

Of course, all solar companies can install solar panels on your roof. However, beyond this, there are a number of services you may be interested in. Because New Jersey is no stranger to storms, we recommend you install home energy monitoring systems and backup battery capacity to make sure your system is always running to its full potential and the lights will stay on during an outage.

Some companies may offer additional services like routine maintenance or EV chargers which can be bundled with your solar panel installation. Consider what features you’d like in your home and pick a company that can handle it all to get the best value for your solar system.

Pricing and Payment Options

Cost, for many homeowners, is a deciding factor in the decision to hire one solar installer over another. We recommend comparing free quotes from a few companies and looking out for any available discounts. By getting multiple quotes, you may be able to save thousands of dollars on your installation — especially if the company you really want to work with has a price-match guarantee.

Another thing to consider is whether the company has the financing options you need, such as in-house solar loans or a solar leasing or a power purchase agreement (PPA) program.

Solar Industry Affiliations

When choosing the best solar installer near you, look for certifications that show trustworthiness and a reputable status within the industry. For example, employing NABCEP-certified technicians, having awards or badges from solar brands, or holding membership in the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) are good signs of a reliable company.

Methodology: How We Ranked New Jersey’s Solar Companies

new jersey best solar companies

EcoWatch’s solar experts researched the product ranges, services, warranty coverage, financing options, customer feedback and industry reputations of each major New Jersey solar installer.

Using this methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company to narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in New Jersey.

Below are some of the criteria we examined specifically for New Jersey solar companies:

  • Warranty coverage (20%)
  • Services offered (20%)
  • Company experience (20%)
  • Local reputation and reviews (20%)
  • Solar pricing and financing (10%)
  • Brand quality (10%)

Warranty

In a state like New Jersey where storms are prominent and sunshine isn’t always guaranteed, having a strong warranty is arguably the most important qualification. Most of the top providers offer 25-year performance guarantees. If a company offers anything less than this, we dock points.

Services Offered

Most New Jersey homeowners aren’t only interested in installing solar panels — they want the whole package. We only chose companies that offer solar energy storage systems in addition to panels, and awarded more points to companies that offered additional services like EV chargers and energy monitoring systems.

Company Experience

The solar industry is booming in The Garden State, which means there are a lot of new solar companies trying to break into the industry to capitalize on the money-making opportunity. We’re sure there are a lot of well-intentioned new companies, but unfortunately, there are also a lot of inexperienced, untrustworthy installers who will offer a low rate, do a poor installation and then never return your calls. That’s why all of the installers on this list have at least five years of experience under their belt, but we give more points to those who have been around longer.

Local Reputation and Reviews

This one is pretty self-explanatory. If everyone on the internet is complaining that Steve’s Solar Panels is a shoddy solar company, we’re not going to recommend them. We don’t expect 10/10 glowing reviews from every single person. Still, we read through dozens of reviews on various websites to make sure that solar companies we recommend have a good reputation and that the majority of their customers are satisfied.

Solar Pricing and Financing

New Jersey has a median household income of about $85,000, which is $11,000 higher than the national average. But no matter how much money you earn, a $19,500 solar panel system isn’t an easy purchase. That’s why we award more points to companies that offer a wide variety of payment options. The best companies understand that in a state as economically diverse as New Jersey, there are no one-size-fits-all solutions.

Brand Quality

Each company we review offers different brands of solar equipment as part of its services. We typically award more points to companies that offer a variety of brands, as this will appeal to the most homeowners from a financial, compatibility and preference standpoint. However, companies that offer top-tier solar technologies, like SunPower, will also get higher points even though they only offer one brand.

FAQ: Best Solar Companies in New Jersey

Blog author image
Article author
Kristina Zagame is a journalist, editor and content writer with expertise in solar and other energy-related topics. Before joining EcoWatch, Kristina was a TV news reporter and producer, covering a wide variety of topics including West Coast wildfires and hurricane relief efforts. Kristina’s reporting has taken her all over the U.S., as well as to Puerto Rico and Chile.
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Expert reviewer
Karsten is an editor and energy specialist focused on environmental, social and cultural development. His work has been shared by sources including NPR, the World Economic Forum, Marketwatch and the SEIA, and he is certified in ESG with the CFA Institute. Before joining EcoWatch, Karsten worked in the solar energy sector, studying energy policy, climate tech and environmental education. A lover of music and the outdoors, Karsten might be found rock climbing, canoeing or writing songs when away from the workplace.

Comparing authorized solar partners

EcoWatch rating
Average cost
Pros
Cons
BBB Rating
Year founded
Service Area
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
Warranty Coverage
  • 5.0
    • Most efficient panels on the market
    • National coverage
    • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
    • Great warranty coverage
    • Expensive
    • Customer service varies by local dealer
    A+
    Best National Provider
    1985
    SunPower Panels
    25-year all-inclusive warranty

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