5 Best Solar Companies in New Jersey (2025 Reviews)

Why We Chose Impact Solar

Impact Solar has some of the best warranty coverage I’ve seen in New Jersey, which should give you the peace of mind you need and expect when making such a large investment into your home. It offers the standard 25-year equipment and performance warranty, but it stands apart by including a 25-year workmanship warranty — more than double the industry standard — and a 25-year roof leak warranty. Most companies don’t offer any roof leak coverage. This kind of protection is also especially helpful in New Jersey, as the state sees about 1.5x the national average rainfall.

Impact Solar also has a stellar company reputation, as is evidenced by its perfect 5-star customer ratings on both the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Google Reviews. That kind of positive feedback and customer satisfaction is exceptionally rare in the solar industry, and it’s a good indication that you’ll have a positive experience and long-term support if you choose Impact Solar.

While I think this is a great company overall, there are some downsides to consider, too. It offers very few add-on services, so it’s really only a good option if you’re looking for a bare-bones system and don’t need to customize. The company also doesn’t accept leases or power purchase agreements (PPAs), and while Impact mentions that it has zero-money-down options available through financing partners, it would be nice to have access to the more affordable options over time.

What I Like About Impact Solar

Impact Solar’s above-average warranty coverage makes it easier to go solar because you don’t have to worry as much as you would with most other installers about your investment being protected. The roof leak warranty combined with the head technician’s NABCEP certification and outstanding customer reviews should all serve as proof that you’re going to get a professional installation from a team that will put you as the customer first.

I also love that Impact Solar installs EV chargers as an add-on service, as EVs are more popular in New Jersey than most other states, and I expect their popularity to continue to increase. New Jersey has a ZEV mandate that calls for all newly registered vehicles to be ZEVs by 2035, too, so having access to EV chargers means you can future proof your system and still effectively save up to 30% on your added equipment by applying the federal investment tax credit (ITC) to the purchase.

What I Don’t Like About Impact Solar

I think the biggest drawback to choosing Impact Solar is that it’s a pretty bare-bones installer. It offers panels, batteries and EV chargers, but it doesn’t tackle roof repair or replacements, it doesn’t offer professional monitoring to keep track of system health and it doesn’t provide access to any energy efficiency upgrades.

Impact Solar also only accepts cash purchases and solar loans. These are the options I generally recommend to all homeowners, but leases and PPAs are more affordable and accessible, so having access to those no-money-down options would be nice.

Impact Solar Installation Process and Timeline

Impact Solar doesn’t include an estimated installation timeline on its website, but I’d guess that you’d wait the standard 6 to 8 weeks from the initial consultation to the day your system is installed and activated. This is the average installation timeline in the solar industry.

The process of going solar with Impact is going to look similar to what you’d see from other installers. First, a representative will come to your home to inspect your roof, take measurements and gauge your electricity demands. Then, the design team will design a system to suit your needs. Once you approve the design, Impact will pull permits for the installation, and the in-house installation team will come install everything once the permits are approved. Finally, the company will schedule final inspections with your utility company and local building department before activating your system.

Impact Solar Standard Services & Financing 

20/25

Impact Solar falls a bit short of ideal when it comes to the financing options it has available, but it covers all of the standard services I look for in a solar company.

First off, it uses an in-house installation team to do all of the labor. I prefer this over a company that outsources because I feel it gives you a better chance of getting good customer service from the company that’s ultimately responsible for your system. It also reduces the risk of communication issues, which can lead to unnecessary delays in the installation process.

Impact Solar installs solar batteries for backup storage, which I like to see, although I don’t generally recommend batteries in New Jersey. The state has a 1-to-1 net metering policy, which means any energy you overproduce and send to the grid, you can call on at a later date at no cost as if you’re producing at that time. This helps maximize your solar savings, and it means batteries provide little financial benefit in Jersey. They do, however, let you maintain power through blackouts, so if you routinely lose power through the nor’easters in New Jersey or are concerned about outages being on the rise, then having the option for batteries is nice.

Impact Solar installs panel and battery brands that include access to a free self-monitoring app that lets you track your system performance and savings over time. Not only is this a nice feature to have, but you can potentially identify problems with your system and get a repair underway before they lead to a significant hit to your long-term savings.

Cost and Financing Options

Impact Solar only accepts cash purchases and solar loans, which are the options I recommend for most homeowners.

Paying in cash is the most expensive option upfront and, consequently, the lease accessible option. You’ll need to have an average of $23,590 in savings to go this route, but you’ll be able to take the ITC, which could effectively save you just over $7,000 in Jersey, on average. Paying in cash also lets you avoid interest and rental payments, which means it will get you the highest savings possible: an average of $37,893 in New Jersey, according to our research.

I believe a solar loan is the next best option, as it still leads to panel ownership and lets you take advantage of the ITC. It comes with the added benefit of requiring just a small down payment in most cases, and Impact Solar notes on its site that its financing partners can secure loans for you even if you put no money down. As such, loans are far more accessible. However, the interest you pay will average around $5,000 over the life of your loan, which adds to your system cost or cuts into your solar savings, depending on how you look at it. Still, savings will be quite high, on average, totaling around $32,900.

Leases and PPAs would be nice options to have from Impact because they’re more accessible, as they don’t require any down payment. They’re more like rental agreements, though, so you’ll never own your panels. That means you can’t take the ITC — an average potential value of $7,077 you’ll miss out on — and your savings over time will be far lower — usually around $4,000 to $5,000 in total. While I don’t recommend these options due to the significantly lower savings, it would be nice if Impact Solar offered them to keep their services as accessible as possible.

Impact Solar Extra Services Offered 

1/5

Add-on services is really where Impact Solar misses the mark, in my opinion, and it scores quite low in our rankings, accordingly. First, it loses points because it doesn’t handle any roof work. Before you go solar, your installer will inspect your roof to ensure it’s safe to install panels. If it’s not, you’ll have to replace or repair your roof before proceeding. Installers that also handle roof work make it more convenient for customers who need roof replacements or repairs done first, as you can get everything done by one company and then hold that installer accountable for any issues that arise.

Impact Solar also loses some points in our ratings because it doesn’t offer any energy efficiency upgrades. Some solar installers can couple your panels and batteries with new insulation, upgraded HVAC systems, doors and windows, smart thermostat installations or smart electrical panel installations. These upgrades can help maximize your home’s efficiency to get even more value out of your panels, so it’s kind of a shame that Impact doesn’t offer anything like this. Energy efficiency upgrades are particularly helpful in areas with above-average prices for electricity, like New Jersey.

Impact also doesn’t offer professional system monitoring. You get access to a mobile app to do the monitoring yourself, but it’s always nice to be able to rely on an expert to do that work for you. If you go solar with Impact, you’ll be responsible for checking your system’s production regularly to ensure everything is working properly.

The one add-on service Impact Solar does offer is the addition of an EV charger. Personally, I think this is one of the most important options for New Jersey residents, so I’m pleased that Impact can handle it. As mentioned above, New Jersey ranks 5th in the country for EV adoption, and the adoption rate is still on the rise. That will continue into the future, too, especially since the state now has a ZEV mandate that requires all newly registered vehicles from 2035 onward to be ZEVs. Adding an EV charger to your system now is a great way to save on the equipment and either maximize the value of your system if you already own an EV or future-proof system if you don’t.

Impact Solar Environmental Impact & Sustainability Practices

7.5/10

The EcoWatch team always does its best to prioritize sustainability, so we always assess each solar installer we recommend based on its sustainability and the sustainability of the manufacturers it partners with. Going solar is always going to have a net-positive impact on the environment, but choosing a more sustainable installer and panel brand can help maximize your efforts to go green and do right by the environment.

Impact Solar’s positive impact on the environment primarily stems from its commitment to bringing solar and green energy to homeowners throughout New Jersey. It doesn’t appear to make charitable donations to eco-friendly organizations, but helping homeowners move away from fossil fuels is still a noble effort.

The company also works with a handful of panel brands, including QCells, Panasonic, Jinko and SolarEdge. We assessed these tier-one panels based on the manufacturer’s sustainability, looking specifically for the use of recycled materials in production, end-of-life recycling programs to keep old panels out of landfills, manufacturing done primarily in the U.S. and a history free of moral issues, like forced labor, child labor, poor working conditions and unfair pay.

Of the 4 tier-one panel options available from Impact, QCells and Panasonic tie with a few other manufacturers for the most sustainable, as they use recycled materials during production, have panel recycling programs and don’t have a history of moral issues. They lose a few points because they aren’t manufactured primarily in the U.S. SolarEdge is a bit less sustainable, as it doesn’t use recycled materials, and Jinko scores the lowest of the bunch in our panel ratings because it doesn’t use recycled materials and was recently noted to use forced labor.                                                                                                              

Impact Solar Equipment Quality & Reliability

19/25

Impact Solar scores reasonably high when it comes to the equipment reliability, and since I picked it as the best solar company in New Jersey for warranty coverage, it should come as no surprise that its warranty package is outstanding.

In terms of panel reliability, we assess brands based on 18 metrics, but I think 3 of those are especially important for equipment reliability and longevity in New Jersey. Those include the panel efficiency, the degradation rate and the max snow load rating.

The efficiency rating of a panel tells you what percentage of the sunlight that hits the panel will be converted into electricity you can then use in your home. The higher the efficiency, the more electricity your system will generate, and the more of your bill you’ll offset. Higher efficiency ratings are always beneficial, but they’re especially helpful for maximizing solar savings in areas with above-average electricity prices. New Jersey homeowners pay about 10.5% more for their energy than most U.S. residents, so high-efficiency panels are crucial for savings. The best solar panels have efficiency ratings of 22% or higher. The Panasonic panels from Impact fall just below that at 21.2%, but the rest are all above 22%. Jinko panels hit over 23%, making them the most efficient option from Impact Solar.

Initial efficiency is crucial to consider, but panels naturally lose efficiency over time, and the rate at which that happens is equally as important. A high starting efficiency but a fast degradation rate could mean great savings upfront, but a loss of possible savings over time as your panels degrade. Most tier-one manufacturers guarantee that their panels will retain between 85% and 92% of their beginning efficiency after 25 years. All of the brands from Impact fall within this range, with Panasonic being the best at the full 92%. Remember, above-average energy prices mean slower degradation rates will save you more over time, so this is an especially important thing to consider in New Jersey.

The max snow load rating tells you how much force your panels can withstand on the faces without sustaining damage. Since New Jersey sees greater annual snowfall than most other states, this is another important factor to consider. The average snow load rating among tier-one panels is 5,870 Pascals (Pa). SolarEdge and Jinko panels from Impact fall a bit short in terms of snow resistance, with ratings of 5,400 Pa. Panasonic panels have a snow load rating of 7,000 Pa — the second best in the industry — and QCells panels are the industry leader with a rating of 8,100 Pa.

Warranties and Guarantees

Equipment specifications are great to look at to gauge performance and longevity, but if something does go wrong, what’s really going to matter is your warranty coverage. I consider 4 types of solar warranties when reviewing solar installers to get a full snapshot of the protection you get for your system.

First, I look at equipment warranties, also called manufacturer warranties. These come from your panel manufacturer, and they insulate you from manufacturer defects. Most manufacturers include a 25-year warranty for defects. Three of the 4 brands from Impact Solar meet this standard, including QCells, Panasonic and SolarEdge. Jinko Solar panels only come with a 12-year equipment warranty.

Second, I look at performance warranties, which are the coverages that guarantee that a certain percentage of your panel’s starting efficiency will remain after the warranty period. This is crucial coverage to consider in New Jersey, as it ensures long-term performance to offset the above-average electricity prices in the state. Most tier-one manufacturers guarantee between 85% and 92% efficiency remaining after 25 years, and all of the brands from Impact meet that standard. QCells and Panasonic are the top 2 options from Impact, even though Jinko’s performance warranty lasts for 30 years, which is above the industry standard.

Third, I look at labor warranties. These come from your installer and guarantee that the installation labor won’t lead to system or property damage. This coverage is a good way to ensure that you’re getting service from a reliable and experienced installer, and it can help avoid headaches and high out-of-pocket costs for issues following the installation. The average labor warranty is 12 years, so I’m thrilled to see Impact Solar offering a 25-year labor warranty. That’s twice the industry standard and should give you plenty of confidence in the ability of its installation team.

Finally, I look for roof leak warranties, which cover you in the event of water damage stemming from a leak after panel installation. This is an especially helpful perk to have in New Jersey since the state sees above-average rainfall and snowfall, which increases the risk of roof leaks. Most installers don’t offer a roof leak warranty, which is why I’m pleasantly surprised to see Impact including a 25-year roof leak warranty with all of its installations. This is great protection to have and should help you avoid any out-of-pocket costs for your system for over 2 decades when combined with the other coverages Impact offers.

Impact Solar Company Reputation 

21.5/25

New Jersey is the 10th most popular state in the country for solar adoption, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), and in states where demand is high, I think it’s a good idea to rule out companies with a less impressive reputation in the local industry. Thankfully, Impact Solar scores very well in our ratings when it comes to its reputation in the area.

First, it was founded in 2015 and has nearly a decade of experience. In a state with such high demand, I often see companies popping up to take advantage. Unfortunately, new companies are more likely to go out of business and void your warranty in the process, which means companies with years of experience are usually a safer option. I prefer companies that have a decade or more under their belts, so Impact Solar lost a few points accordingly, but it still has a proven track record that gives me confidence in its longevity.

Impact lost a few more points because it’s not an SEIA member. Membership helps establish a company’s longevity, as it requires a financial commitment to the local industry. Not being a member certainly doesn’t mean you won’t get great service and long-lasting support, but it would be nice to see.

Impact has installers on its in-house installation team that are certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). NABCEP certification requires specialized training for installing photovoltaic (PV) equipment above and beyond what the State of New Jersey requires, so it suggests a more professional installation from a more experienced and highly-trained technician.

Finally, Impact Solar has perfect 5-star customer ratings on both the BBB’s website and Google Reviews, which is exceedingly rare in the solar industry. This all but guarantees that your experience will be a positive one, and it also suggests that the company will stand behind its products and labor as it promises to do. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case with other installers.

Consumer Reviews and Testimonials

I take some time to read through a few dozen company reviews to see actual feedback from customers. I look for trends among both the positive and negative reviews to gauge what the company does well and where it may fall short of your expectations. Virtually all of the reviews for Impact Solar are overwhelmingly positive and mention things like stellar communication, honest salesmanship, a professional and timely installation and the company’s ability to respond quickly to warranty claims and issues.

I usually include 1 positive and 1 negative review for each provider I recommend to give a fair assessment of the installer, but since all of the reviews for Impact are positive, I’ll include 2 positive reviews to show the kind of service you can expect if you choose Impact Solar.

“We engaged the team at Impact Solar after talking to multiple installers (local and national). All of our interactions with the team showed that there is a huge amount of attention to detail with the ultimate goal of getting their clients exactly what they want. They are not the cheapest installer, but after comparing I found their pricing to be very competitive given the quality of the panels and installation service. Solar is a big, relatively expensive project with a large number of moving pieces. Impact Solar went above and beyond to ensure that everything went about as smoothly as possible. There was one delay due to panel sourcing, but even that was a positive experience. I was made aware of the delay ahead of time and expectations were managed appropriately. Overall I would highly recommend Impact Solar for your next Solar project.” — Eugene K. via Google Reviews

“I wish every contractor was as efficient, knowledgeable and competent as Impact Solar. Every detail from the timeliness of their initial response to the quality of the work, the price and overall convenience was perfect in every way. No complaints. Highly recommend. I needed repairs but my system is older and I know who I’ll be calling when I’m ready to replace my current system. This is how it should be done, period.” — Barbara V. via BBB

Impact Solar Customer Service 

10/10

The last part of our solar installer review score is the only area that involves subjective scoring, which we use to evaluate a company’s overall customer service. I personally come up with these scores, and I base them off of my experience with the company as a secret shopper, as well as the dozens of customer reviews I read through.

I called Impact Solar as a secret shopper and was overall very pleased with the experience. The representative I spoke with was friendly and knowledgeable about the company, as well as the process of going solar in New Jersey. They were able to answer questions about net metering, and they were honest about how batteries aren’t a necessity to see solar savings. This is a major green flag, in my opinion, and combined with the low-stress, friendly conversation, it makes me feel comfortable recommending Impact.

I found much of the same in the many customer reviews I read through. Impact is one of very few companies I’ve ever seen — in New Jersey but also the U.S. as a whole — that maintains perfect customer ratings across the BBB and Google Reviews. Customers rave about communication, professionalism and the company’s willingness to stand behind its products and services with great support, so, although I tried, I really couldn’t find any instance of poor or spotty customer service from Impact Solar.

Why We Chose NJ Solar Power

NJ Solar Power is based right in Bayville, NJ, and it brings the kind of personal touch to solar installation that you’d expect from a smaller, local company. I read through dozens of customer reviews, and it’s abundantly clear that the company cares about its customers and also has kept itself small enough that it’s still able to put customers first and act as both professionals and neighbors throughout the entire process. It offers the kind of hands-on approach you’re far less likely to get from a big national company.

The company has also been in business for 20 years and still maintains outstanding customer ratings on Google Reviews, which is a testament not only to its ability to stay in business and keep your warranty coverage intact, but also to its commitment to your satisfaction as a customer.

NJ Solar Power is a stellar choice, in my opinion, but it’s not without its flaws. Namely, it doesn’t offer any add-on services, so it’s a pretty bare-bones installer that’s only suitable if you only want panels or panels with backup batteries. It also doesn’t offer a roof leak warranty, which I’d really love to see in a high-precipitation area like New Jersey.

What I Like About NJ Solar Power

I think the best thing about New Jersey Solar Power is the personal touch it brings to each and every project. A perfect example of this is a customer review I read where the customer noted that they reached out to the company but couldn’t progress due to local regulations. The company mentioned it would reach out if anything changed, and 2 years later, they did, unprompted. This is the kind of service you can really only get from small local companies like NJ Solar Power, so if you want a more hands-on experience, I’d recommend a local installer like NJ Solar Power.

I’m also thrilled that the company accepts all of the major solar payment options. Many smaller installers don’t accept leases or PPAs, which means their services aren’t as accessible as they could be. NJ Solar Power does accept them, so you get options for affordability and accessibility in addition to industry-leading customer service.

What I Don’t Like About NJ Solar Power

In my opinion, the area where NJ Solar Power can improve the most is in its add-on services. The company doesn’t offer anything above and beyond panel and battery installation, so if you’re looking for options to customize your system, boost your home efficiency or maximize the value of your panels by coupling with things like EV chargers, you’ll have to look elsewhere.

The company also has a solid workmanship warranty, but it doesn’t offer a roof leak warranty. This kind of coverage is helpful in all areas, but it’s especially nice to have in New Jersey because the state sees above-average precipitation levels that increase the risk of leaks and water damage. I think the company would be willing to stand behind its work and help you with a solution if there was an issue, but I’d still prefer to see a guarantee in writing.

NJ Solar Power Installation Process and Timeline

NJ Solar Power doesn’t offer any kind of timeline for its installations, but I would guess you’d have to wait between 6 and 8 weeks from your initial inspection to the day your system is active and generating power for your home. This is the standard in the industry, and I don’t see a history of complaints in customer reviews that suggest long wait times.

The process is similar to what you’d get from most other installers, though. You’ll start with a property inspection and evaluation to get measurements and determine what size system you’ll need. The company’s design team will then design a system to fit your home. Once you sign off on the design, the company will pull permits and order any necessary equipment. When the permits are approved, NJ Solar Power will install your equipment and then schedule any necessary inspections before activating your panels.

NJ Solar Power Standard Services & Financing 

25/25

I’m pleased to say that NJ Solar Power gets perfect marks in our ratings when it comes to its standard services and financing options. As you might expect from a small company like this, it performs all of the work using in-house technicians. I prefer this over companies that outsource to third parties, and while it doesn’t guarantee you’ll have a positive experience, it does reduce the risk of miscommunication and the two sides pointing fingers if something goes wrong.

NJ Solar Power offers batteries from SolarEdge, Panasonic and FranklinWH, so you can couple your system with backup power for emergencies. I should mention that I generally don’t recommend solar batteries for New Jersey solar customers because the state has an outstanding net metering program that makes batteries only good for providing power through outages. That is a nice thing to have in a state like New Jersey, where thunderstorms and the occasional severe weather event can knock out grids, but batteries are more of a luxury than a necessity in New Jersey.

Lastly, NJ Solar Power scores a few additional points because all of its customers get access to a solar monitoring app through one of the inverter, panel or battery manufacturers you choose. Being able to keep tabs on your system means you can identify issues with production that could be stemming from panel failure or system damage. You can then get repairs underway more quickly before the problem ends up cutting too much into your solar savings.

Cost and Financing Options

As I mentioned above, NJ Solar Power is one of the few small, local solar installers that accepts all 4 of the primary solar financing options: cash purchases, solar loans, solar leases and PPAs. Having options is great, but you should choose carefully, as the way you pay for your system can affect your savings over time.

Paying in cash leads to immediate panel ownership and the highest possible savings over time: an average of $37,893, according to our research. Of course, paying the entire system cost upfront — which averages around $23,590 in your area — is expensive, and most homeowners won’t be able to swing this option comfortably. I do recommend paying in cash if you can, though, both because of the savings and the fact that you can take the ITC, an average potential value of over $7,000 in New Jersey.

Paying with a loan is the next option I recommend to most people. You can still take the ITC, and this option still leads to panel ownership. However, you’ll pay interest on the loan, which cuts into your savings. Average savings with a solar loan are closer to $32,900, which is still outstanding but not quite as appealing as if you paid in cash. The biggest upside, though, is that you only have to pay a down payment instead of the full system cost upfront, making loans much more accessible of a payment option.

Solar leases are rental agreements where you lease your panels and get to use the power they produce for free, and PPAs are arrangements where you pay nothing for your panels, and instead, you agree to buy electricity from your solar installer instead of from your power company, usually at a discounted rate. Both of these options have one major upside: you usually don’t have to put any money down, so they’re the most affordable.

However, leases and PPAs don’t lead to you owning your system, so you can’t take the ITC. You’ll also never hit a break-even point where your panels pay for themselves and then provide just net savings afterward, so your lifetime savings drop from around $37,900 to just $4,000 or $5,000. I don’t recommend these options for these reasons, but I’m still happy to see NJ Solar Power offering them, as it means its products and services are available to virtually all New Jersey residents.

NJ Solar Power Extra Services Offered 

0/5

One area where NJ Solar Power could stand to improve is in its product offerings above and beyond panels and batteries, as it doesn’t score any points in this portion of our rating system.

It doesn’t handle any roof work, which means you’ll have to find, hire and coordinate with a third-party roofing company if you need a repair or replacement before converting your home to solar. This isn’t a huge deal, but it does mean more work for you, and you run a higher risk of the 2 companies blaming each other if something goes wrong. With a single installer doing both roof work and solar panel installation, you can more easily hold a single company accountable.

NJ Solar Power also doesn’t offer any energy efficiency upgrades. Some installers provide access to things beyond solar to maximize your home’s efficiency and reduce your energy consumption even further. Those include things like new windows and doors, insulation upgrades, smart electrical panels and more. These can help you get the most value out of your solar array and save you more money over time, so it’s a shame that NJ Solar Power doesn’t offer anything like this. These perks would be especially beneficial in New Jersey, too, as the cost of electricity is above the national average, so every kilowatt-hour (kWh) saved means more money in your pocket than it would in most other states.

The biggest letdown, in my opinion, is that NJ Solar Power doesn’t install EV chargers. New Jersey ranks 5th in the country for EV adoption, so more homeowners here are going to want at-home charging capabilities than in most other states. Additionally, New Jersey has a ZEV mandate that means at-home charging will be all but necessary by 2035, so it would be really nice to see NJ Solar Power getting ahead of the curve and offering EV chargers now.

Finally, NJ Solar Power doesn’t offer professional system monitoring. You’ll still get access to the app to self-monitor your system, but it’s always more convenient to have a professional do the work for you. If you go solar with NJ Solar Power, it will be your responsibility to keep tabs on your system performance and ensure everything is working as expected.

NJ Solar Power Environmental Impact & Sustainability Practices 

7.5/10

Ditching traditional energy and converting your home to solar is one of the best things you can do as a homeowner to help slow down global warming and do right by the environment. However, there are still varying levels of environmental friendliness when it comes to going solar. You can maximize the positive impact you have on the environment by choosing a panel brand and installer that also do their part to serve the world around us.

NJ Solar Power’s positive impact on the environment is mostly due to its commitment to helping homeowners go solar for the past 20 years. It doesn’t appear to make any charitable donations or donate time to solar-friendly organizations.

I also look at the panel brands each installer works with, and I assess those based on their sustainability efforts. NJ Solar Power installs panels from Panasonic and SolarEdge. Panasonic ties a few other manufacturers for first place for sustainability in our solar panel reviews, as the company uses recycled materials in production, has recycling programs for its old panels and doesn’t have any documented history with moral or ethical issues. SolarEdge scores a bit lower because it doesn’t use recycled materials in production. As such, I’d recommend Panasonic panels if you do move forward with NJ Solar Power and want to maximize your positive impact on the environment.

NJ Solar Power Equipment Quality & Reliability 

16.25/25

I also assess panel brands offered by each installer based on other criteria, like their performance specifications, physical appearance and more to determine their overall quality and longevity. NJ Solar Power’s brands aren’t the best in the industry for reliability, but they do score reasonably well. I look at 18 factors to gauge a panel’s reliability, but I think 3, in particular, are crucial in New Jersey: the efficiency rating, the degradation rate and the max snow load rating.

The efficiency rating of a panel tells you how efficiently it converts sunlight into usable energy for your home. The higher the rating, the more power your system will produce, and the more of your electric bills you’ll offset each month. New Jersey residents pay around 10% more per kWh they consume than most U.S. residents, so a higher efficiency rating will mean even greater savings in Jersey than it will in most other states. The best solar panels in the industry have efficiency ratings topping 22%. Panasonic panels from NJ Solar Power top out around 21.2%, and SolarEdge panels top out at 22.02%. Purely from an efficiency rating, both are good, but SolarEdge is a bit better.

That initial efficiency rating just tells you what percentage of the available sunlight your panels will convert to usable electricity when they’re first installed. As your panels age, they lose efficiency and generate less and less power. The degradation rate of a panel will tell you what percentage of that initial efficiency will remain after a specified period. With above-average electricity rates in the area, a low degradation rate is especially important in New Jersey for long-term savings, as each kWh you have to pull from the grid means an above-average deduction from your lifetime savings. Most tier-one panels guarantee between 85% and 92% remaining efficiency after 25 years. Both brands from NJ Solar Power fall within this range, with SolarEdge at 89.4% and Panasonic at 92%. As such, they’re both solid options for long-term savings.

The max snow load rating tells you how much force your panels can withstand from accumulating snow, which is an important metric to consider in New Jersey, as much of the state sees above-average snowfall, up to 50 inches in some areas. The average snow load rating among tier-one panels is 5,870 Pascals (Pa). SolarEdge falls a bit short, sitting at 5,400 Pa. In my opinion, Panasonic is a better option overall, and its panels also come with an above-average snow load rating of 7,000 Pa, making them more than durable enough for New Jersey winters.

Warranties and Guarantees

I also look at the warranty coverage you get from your manufacturer and installer to gauge the durability and reliability of your system. Panel specs are great benchmarks, but if they aren’t guaranteed, then they’re not worth much. I look at 4 types of solar warranties to see what kind of protection you can expect.

First, I look at the equipment warranty. This comes from your manufacturer in most cases and guarantees that your components will be free from defects. Most manufacturers have a 25-year equipment warranty, and both brands available from NJ Solar Power meet this standard.

Second, I look at the performance warranty, which guarantees that your panels will maintain a certain percentage of their starting efficiency after the warranty period is up. Most tier-one panels have a 25-year performance warranty that guarantees between 85% and 92% of the starting efficiency after that period. As mentioned above, Panasonic has an industry-leading performance warranty guaranteeing the full 92%, and SolarEdge is also in the ideal range at 89.4%.

Third, I look at the labor warranty. This is typically the first piece of the warranty package that comes from your installer, and it guarantees that the installation labor won’t lead to any system or property damage. This is crucial coverage to get for peace of mind, especially in New Jersey, where extreme weather can quickly lead to damages in improperly installed solar arrays. The standard labor warranty is 12 years, and NJ Solar Power provides more than double the average protection with a 25-year labor warranty.

Finally, I look for a roof leak warranty, which, as the name suggests, guarantees that your roof won’t leak as a result of installing solar panels. Much of New Jersey sees above-average snowfall and above-average rainfall, so this warranty coverage, in particular, is outstanding to have in New Jersey. Unfortunately, NJ Solar Power doesn’t provide a roof leak warranty, which is in line with the industry standard.

NJ Solar Power Company Reputation

18.5/25

NJ Solar Power also scores reasonably well when it comes to its reputation in the local solar industry. First off, it has over 20 years of experience, which I personally love to see. Especially in high-demand states like New Jersey, lots of solar companies pop up to capitalize and quickly go out of business when they can’t keep up with the competition. In many cases, that means your labor warranty is voided in the process. Going with a well-established company like NJ Solar Power doesn’t guarantee that won’t happen, but it does drastically reduce your risk since you know you’re hiring a trusted company.

NJ Solar Power does lose some points in our ratings because it’s not an SEIA member, which would suggest a financial commitment to the local industry that would further suggest its longevity. It also loses some points because it doesn’t use NABCEP-certified installers. NABCEP certification requires specialized training with installing PV systems. That training above and beyond what’s required by the State of New Jersey would help further establish the company’s expertise and the fact that you’d get a professional and safe installation, so it’s kind of a shame that NJ Solar Power doesn’t hold certification.

Lastly, NJ Solar Power maintains outstanding customer review ratings. It has an A+ rating with the BBB and an outstanding 4.6-star rating on Google Reviews. This is not only well above the industry average, but it’s also especially impressive coming from a company that has been around for 20 years.

Consumer Reviews and Testimonials

While I think looking at aggregate customer ratings is helpful for getting an overall idea of the kind of customer service you can expect from a company, I think it’s even more helpful to look at what customers specifically say about the service. That’s why I read through a few dozen NJ Solar Power reviews to see how it treats its customers.

Most of the positive reviews mention things like a totally personal, hands-on customer experience, installation crews treating customer homes with a level of care and respect they didn’t expect and an honest sales process that doesn’t sugarcoat solar costs or long-term savings. There are a few negative reviews mentioning some delays in service post-installation, and there are what appear to be one-off issues with customer service, but overall, most customers are pleased with the service and attention they receive. I’ll include 1 positive and 1 negative review below to help paint a picture of how this company operates in the best- and worst-case scenarios.

“Working with NJ Solar Power has been a great experience.  Mike, Bill, Frank, the crew and everyone in the office were really helpful and answered all our questions.  The installation took only one day, including all the electrical work and installing the panels.  The team treated our home like it was their own and didn’t mind our dogs barking some of the time!  All of the paperwork was handled by the office and the permits were in place before work started.  We reviewed multiple solar installers but wanted a local company, and we are so glad we chose NJ Solar Power.” — William F. via Google Reviews

“Our solar was installed without any CTs due to electrical wiring issues in our electrical panel, which is understandable, so my SolarEdge monitoring doesn’t show production & consumption data. However, I wasn’t notified about this when installation was completed and had to make multiple calls/emails to find out why. The whole time I thought our solar wasn’t working!” — Kendoka via Google Reviews

NJ Solar Power Customer Service

10/10

Finally, I reviews NJ Solar Power’s customer service as a whole, based on all of the reviews I read, as well as a secret shopper call I made to the company.

As I mentioned, almost all of the reviews for this provider are positive. Customers rave about an honest sales process, fast installations, great communication throughout the process and a commitment to long-term service. There are some negative reviews that mention delays in response times after the installation is completed, but these appear to be isolated issues, and based on the number of satisfied customers, I’d say the risk of running into these problems is relatively small.

My call to NJ Solar Power also could not have gone more smoothly. I was connected to a live representative quickly who was friendly and clearly knew their stuff. They were knowledgeable and honest about how the net metering policy in Jersey makes batteries a non-necessity, and they even mentioned some local incentives that might be available. Overall, I got a good feeling from the company, and I expect that you’d have a positive experience overall.

Why We Chose Momentum Solar

Momentum Solar is a regional provider, but it sets itself apart from many other larger installation companies by maintaining a personal touch with each of its projects. It offers a concierge service, which means that you’ll have a single point of contact at the company from the initial consultation through the installation and beyond. I went solar with a local installer that had stellar customer service, but it was still confusing trying to figure out which of the many POCs I should contact at different points throughout the process, so I really think Momentum’s approach to this issue is a good one.

Momentum is one of the few top solar installers in New Jersey that also handles roof work, and while it lacks some other add-on services that I usually look for, this does make going solar a bit more convenient if you need roof repair or replacement done before installing panels.

Momentum is a great option for customer service, in my opinion, but it’s not a perfect company. As I mentioned, it doesn’t offer much in the way of add-on services beyond roof work. It also has a good labor warranty but doesn’t offer a roof leak warranty, which I think is a pretty big deal in New Jersey, where annual snowfall and rainfall are both above average.

What I Like About Momentum Solar

Momentum’s customer service really helps the company stand out among competitors. You’ll always have a single point of contact, which makes connecting with the provider simple and easy no matter what stage of the process you’re in. It also has spectacular customer reviews on Google Reviews, with a 4.5-star rating and over 700 reviews. It has lower review ratings on the BBB, but it still maintains above-average scores there, too, as well as an A+ company rating.

Momentum also works with all solar panel brands, which is unusual. Most companies offer just a handful of brands that they select for you. With Momentum, you can choose any brand you want, which means you can optimize for upfront cost per watt, or you can maximize your savings over time by choosing the most efficient panels available. I think this is a good approach to appealing to a wide range of customers, and I’d love to see more installers do this.

What I Don’t Like About Momentum Solar

I think the biggest downside to Momentum Solar is that it doesn’t offer a roof leak warranty. New Jersey sees above-average rainfall and snowfall each year, which means the risk of roof leaks is higher than it is in most other states. A roof leak warranty would provide the kind of peace of mind I’d personally look for in NJ, so it’s a shame that Momentum doesn’t provide one.

Another drawback to using Momentum is that the company is involved in a class-action lawsuit, in which plaintiffs claim the company has a racist and hostile working environment. The lawsuit is still ongoing, so it’s still unclear if the company is at fault, but of course, we’d prefer not even to see allegations of racism in the workplace. If you want to be safe and ensure you’re working with a company that is socially sustainable, too, I’d recommend going with another provider.

Momentum Solar Installation Process and Timeline

Momentum Solar doesn’t specify on its website how long the process is from start to finish, but I expect that it would take between 6 and 8 weeks from consultation to the day your panels are activated, which is the industry standard. Some customer reviews I read mention some delays, but I don’t see a pattern that suggests that the average timeline from Momentum is longer than what is typical.

The process itself is similar to what most other installers follow. You’ll first have a consultation and property inspection, during which a rep will gather information about your home, take measurements and assess your energy demands. Then the in-house design team will design a system that meets your needs. When you sign off on the designs and pricing, Momentum will pull permits for the installation, which can take several weeks. Once the permits are approved, Momentum will send an in-house installer to install your equipment, and then it will schedule final inspections necessary to get your system up and running.

Momentum Solar Standard Services & Financing

25/25

Momentum gets perfect marks in our ratings when it comes to its standard services and financing options.

First, I’m happy to see Momentum using in-house installers, especially given the size of the company. Using in-house installers doesn’t necessarily mean a smooth installation that’s free of problems, but you’re more likely to get better service from an installation team that isn’t contracted to do the work. Customer service tends to be more uniform with in-house installation teams, so you have a better idea of what you’re getting when you read through other customer experiences.

Momentum installs batteries, which, again, I don’t recommend for most homeowners in New Jersey due to the stellar net metering program. However, Jersey sees its fair share of extreme weather, and solar batteries do give you the benefit of backup power through outages. Additionally, net metering policies are declining across the country, so I believe it’s only a matter of time before the buyback rate for exported energy decreases. At that point, batteries will be more of a necessity to see long-term solar savings in New Jersey, so I’m glad to see Momentum staying ahead of the curve.

Momentum also has its own solar app that gives you access to real-time information about your system’s production and your energy consumption. This can help you keep track of performance to identify potential issues and get repairs underway before they cut into your savings. Most installers offer this service through the manufacturers with which they work, but I think Momentum’s app, which also gives you the ability to pay your loan or lease payments, is a step above what other companies offer.

Cost and Financing Options

I’m also pleased to see that Momentum accepts all of the major financing options for solar, including cash, solar loans, solar leases and PPAs. The option you choose is going to dictate your upfront cost and savings, so having options is great.

I strongly recommend you pay in cash if you can make it work. Paying in cash means you’ll have to put aside an average of $23,590 in New Jersey to be able to afford your system, so it’s the least accessible option, by far. However, if you can swing it, you’ll see the highest long-term savings possible — an average of just under $38,000 over the life of your system — you’ll be able to take advantage of the ITC — an average potential savings of over $7,000 in New Jersey — and you won’t have to pay interest or rental payments for your equipment.

If you can’t pay in cash, I recommend going with a solar loan. Loans let you pay just a small down payment upfront, making solar a much more reasonable investment, and then pay the rest of the cost in installments. You’ll end up paying more in the long run because of the interest, but you should still see net savings of around $33,000, which is still outstanding. You’ll still be able to take the ITC, too, and eventually owning your system means you don’t have to worry about your solar array complicating the sale of your home, which could happen if you go with a lease or PPA.

A lease is a rental agreement, similar to leasing a car. But in exchange for paying a monthly rental fee, you get to use the energy your panels produce to offset your utility bills and see savings. Leases save you much less over time than cash or loans, usually around $5,000 total, and they don’t let you take the ITC, so you miss out on potential savings of around $7,000. However, leases don’t require any money down in most cases, so they’re some of the most accessible options.

PPAs are similar to leases in the benefits they provide and the drawbacks they come with. The difference is in how you pay for your system. Instead of a monthly rental fee, you pay nothing for your panels and instead agree to buy power, usually at a discounted rate, from your solar installer rather than from your electric company.

I usually only recommend cash purchases and solar loans to homeowners, but I’m still pleased to see Momentum Solar offer the other no-money-down options that help keep solar accessible to all.

Momentum Solar Extra Services Offered 

2/5

Extra services is where Momentum kind of misses the boat, in my opinion. It does tackle roof replacement and repair, which is nice because you can get everything done at once if you need a roof repair or replacement before going solar. You can also hold a single company responsible for any issues rather than having to jump through hoops to get either your solar installer or your roofer to accept responsibility for any problems that pop up.

However, that’s where Momentum Solar’s extra service options end. It doesn’t provide access to any energy efficiency upgrades, like insulation, HVAC upgrades, window and door replacement, solar water heater installation or smart thermostats and electrical panels. Solar installers that offer these, in my opinion, have a better grasp on the “big picture” and understand that reducing one’s carbon footprint and doing right by the environment goes beyond putting panels on your roof.

Momentum also doesn’t install EV chargers, which is one of the biggest let-downs, in my opinion. New Jersey is one of the most popular states for EV adoption, and the ZEV mandate that requires all newly registered vehicles in the state to be a ZEV is going to mean that virtually all solar customers are going to want to take advantage of at-home charging in the near future for greater savings. I’d really love to see Momentum add EV charger installations to their lineup of services now to stay ahead of the curve.

Momentum also doesn’t offer professional solar system monitoring. You’ll get access to the Momentum Solar app and will be able to monitor your system yourself, but it’s much more convenient when an expert does it for you. Even if Momentum offered the service and charged extra for it, I’d love to see them add this to their options.

Momentum Solar Environmental Impact & Sustainability Practices 

7.5/10

Installing solar on your roof means ditching your reliance on fossil fuels to provide electricity to your home, so it’s one of the best things you can do as an individual to slow down global warming. However, you can maximize your impact on the environment and the world around you by choosing an installer and a panel manufacturer that also take sustainability seriously. That’s why I always look at and rate companies based on their own sustainability efforts and how sustainable the products they offer are.

Momentum does make charitable donations, including its most recent $11,000 donation to the Make-a-Wish Foundation. I think in terms of sustainability, though, its contribution really comes from its commitment to helping homeowners move away from fossil fuels. Unfortunately, as I mentioned above, Momentum is involved in a class-action lawsuit for racism in the workplace, so it’s not the most socially sustainable company.

In terms of how sustainable its brand partners are, Momentum gets full points. It can work with any panel brand you want, which means you can choose the more sustainable options that use recycled materials in the manufacturing process, have recycling programs for its spent panels and release sustainability reports that show efforts to do right by the environment.

Momentum Solar Equipment Quality & Reliability

20/25

The average cost to go solar in New Jersey is $23,590 before incentives, according to our research, so I think any homeowner considering the switch is going to want some kind of reassurance that their investment is protected. For that reason, I look at the quality and reliability of the equipment itself, as well as warranty coverage offered by the manufacturer and installer.

As far as equipment quality goes, I review panel brands based on 18 criteria, but I think 3 are especially important to consider if you live in New Jersey. Those include the efficiency rating, the degradation rate and the snow load rating.

The efficiency rating of a panel tells you how efficient your system will be at converting available sunlight into usable electricity for your home. Panels with higher efficiency ratings tend to save you more over time because, in equal conditions, they generate more power and let you offset more of your electric bill. The savings you’ll see as a result are higher in New Jersey than in most other states because the cost of electricity is above the national average. The best solar panels have efficiency ratings of 22% or higher. Remember, Momentum can work with any panel brand, so you can optimize for efficiency if you choose. Maxeon panels have the highest max efficiency of 24.2% and should deliver the greatest bill offset possible.

The degradation rate of a panel is also important to consider. All panels lose efficiency as they age, but they degrade at different rates. Faster degradation rates will mean a steeper decline in monthly savings, and again, you’ll feel that decline more in New Jersey, where energy rates are above average. Most tier-one brands guarantee that your panels will retain between 85% and 92% of their starting efficiency after 25 years. Since you can choose any panel brand when you go solar with Momentum, I recommend Maxeon, REC or Panasonic panels for their degradation rates, as they have the slowest degradation in the industry and guarantee the full 92% efficiency after 25 years.

Finally, the maximum snow load rating tells you how much force your panel can withstand from the top side, which is an important consideration in New Jersey, which sees annual snowfall well in excess of the national average. The average snow load rating among tier-one panels is 5,870 Pascals (Pa). QCells is the industry leader in terms of snow load rating, with 8,100 Pa. Panasonic and REC tie for second with a rating of 7,000 Pa. This might be overkill for New Jersey, but if you want to be safe, aim for an above-average snow load rating on your panels.

Warranties and Guarantees

Panel performance specifications are a good way to gauge the quality of your equipment, but I think the real peace of mind comes from the warranty coverage you get with your system. I look for 4 types of solar warranties to get a sense of how well protected your investment is.

First, the equipment warranty guarantees that your system won’t fail or sustain damage due to a manufacturing defect. Most tier-one manufacturers provide a 25-year equipment warranty. Brands you can work with if you choose Momentum that meet this standard include Maxeon, REC, QCells, Canadian Solar, Panasonic, Silfab, Trina and SolarEdge. Maxeon panels have the best coverage in the industry, as it lasts for 40 years.

Next, the performance warranty or efficiency warranty is what guarantees that your panels will retain a certain percentage of their starting efficiency. This is important to ensure long-term performance and savings from your system. Most tier-one brands have a 25-year performance warranty that guarantees your panel won’t lose more than 15% of its initial efficiency. Maxeon, REC and Panasonic are the industry leaders here, as they all guarantee your panels won’t lose more than 8% efficiency over 25 years. Again, Maxeon goes above and beyond by extending the efficiency warranty to 40 years.

Third, the labor warranty, which usually comes from your installer and not the panel manufacturer, guarantees that the installation process won’t cause damage to your home or system. This is important no matter where you live, but it’s a good way to differentiate between reputable companies and ones you may want to stay away from in a state like Jersey, which is home to over 250 installers. The average labor warranty lasts for 12 years, and Momentum more than doubles that with a 25-year workmanship warranty. This is outstanding, and it’s a good indication that the company stands behind its work.

Finally, I look for roof leak warranties, which ensure that the roof penetrations made to install your panels won’t leak. This coverage really amps up the peace of mind you get with your system, especially in a state like New Jersey that sees above-average rainfall and snowfall. Most companies don’t offer a roof leak warranty, and unfortunately, Momentum is one such installer.

Momentum Solar Company Reputation 

14.5/25

One area where Momentum really falls short, in my opinion, is when it comes to company reputation.

It does get full points in our ratings for its longevity in the industry, as it was founded in 2009 and has been in business for 15 years. A long company history doesn’t guarantee good service, by any means, but it does at least suggest that the company will be around for some time. I see a lot of companies pop up to take advantage of the demand, only to go out of business when they can’t handle the immense competition or constantly changing industry. When they do, they can void your warranty in the process. I believe it’s safer to go with a company with a proven track record to avoid this risk.

Momentum Solar loses some points in our ratings because it doesn’t have NABCEP-certified installers on its installation team. NABCEP certification requires specialized training in PV installations, so choosing a certified installer will more often lead to a professional installation that’s free from issues and can pass inspections on the first go.

Momentum also isn’t an SEIA member, and while I think this is less important than NABCEP certification, membership would show a financial investment in the industry and further suggest future longevity for both the company and your warranty coverage.

Finally, I look at company BBB ratings and customer reviews to gauge what kind of reputation it has among customers. Momentum Solar has an A+ rating with the BBB, which is great, and its customer review rating on the site is 2.94 stars, which might not seem good, but it’s actually above-average in the solar industry, especially for a company of this size.

Unfortunately, Momentum Solar has just a 1.7-star rating on TrustPilot, which is below average and suggests that there are some issues with customer service.

Consumer Reviews and Testimonials

It’s important to look at total customer review ratings, but I also read through dozens of individual reviews to see specifically what customers do and don’t like about each provider. A company can get low reviews for aggressive marketing tactics, for example, but that wouldn’t suggest poor customer service if you actually chose the company.

Positive reviews for Momentum mention fast and professional installations, the company’s ability to respond to warranty claims quickly and the stellar communication and customer service the provider offers throughout the entire process. I think these are all crucial things for customer service that Momentum gets right, hence why it ranks so highly for customer service. Negative reviews mention aggressive marketing tactics, misleading sales tactics and misrepresented savings estimates. I strongly recommend doing your research on the pros and cons of solar in your area before choosing Momentum. I think the service you’ll get will be excellent, but you may not have the greatest experience getting to that initial consultation.

I’ll include 1 positive and 1 negative Momentum Solar review below to give you a better idea of what to expect from this company.

“Amazing experience since day one! Everything they promised was just how it was. My electric bill is much much lower than what I was paying. Customer service was great [and was] always there for me. Any questions I had and the whole process for installation was smooth sailing.” — John S. via BBB

“Terrible. They sent the salesperson and he explained to me the entire process that was followed to place the panels. They made me replace the roof with a new one. Then they charge a higher monthly fee than the one we had agreed upon. More inspections than he actually told me. In short, all the information he gave me was totally false. I called them many times and they don’t answer and they don’t respond.” — Maria I. via BBB

Momentum Solar Customer Service 

8/10

The last portion of each company’s score is for customer service, and I personally assign these numbers based on my firsthand experience calling as a secret shopper, as well as the many customer reviews I read.

When I called Momentum, I got a live representative quickly, and they were both friendly and informative. They answered some questions about the benefits of solar batteries in New Jersey honestly, and they were familiar with the net metering policy and other local incentives. They did ask to schedule an in-person consultation, but I didn’t feel pressured to agree.

I did deduct some points from Momentum based on the customer reviews online. While I think the company provides outstanding communication and a commitment to ongoing service and system success, it’s clear that there are some issues with aggressive marketing, somewhat misleading sales tactics and some delayed responses to warranty claims. Still, I think the company’s concierge service should provide you with an overall positive experience.

Why We Chose Palmetto Solar

Palmetto Solar is a large regional solar installer with a decent array of products and services available. What really sets the company apart, though, is its lease option, which allows customers to buy out of the contract and convert to a system-ownership track after the five year mark. We’ll explain this more in a bit, but it basically gives you the short-term benefits of a lease combined with some of the long-term benefits of a cash purchase or solar loan.

Palmetto also includes a roof leak warranty with all of its installations, which is great news for New Jersey residents who are at a higher risk of roof leaks due to above-average rainfall and snowfall. The company also has a solid reputation, which reinforces the idea that you’ll get a solid system installation and a company that stands behind its work.

While I think Palmetto is a great choice for its financing options and roof leak coverage, there are some downsides to consider. Most importantly, in my opinion, it offers a below-average workmanship warranty, which is a real shame considering it’s one of the few providers that offer roof leak protection. It also outsources installation labor, which seems to lead to some issues with customer service.

What I Like About Palmetto Solar

As I mentioned above, I think the most appealing think about Palmetto is its lease buy-out option. You get the benefit of not having to put any money down, but then you can buy out of the contract and boost your long-term savings to be more in line with a cash purchase or solar loan. I really wish more companies would offer this kind of arrangement to keep solar as accessible as possible without sacrificing long-term savings for customers.

I also love that Palmetto installs EV chargers, especially given the immense popularity of EVs in New Jersey. With the upcoming ZEV mandate, I think companies like Palmetto that have experience installing EV chargers are going to become more and more in-demand.

What I Don’t Like About Palmetto Solar

Palmetto Solar outsources installation to third-party installers, which means customer service can be spotty. There’s always an increased risk of poor communication and delays when companies outsource the labor, which is why I typically prefer installers that do everything in-house, from the initial system design to the installation and beyond.

Palmetto has some add-on services available, but it doesn’t install batteries, handle roof repairs or replacements or offer any energy efficiency upgrades. I prefer companies that can install things like smart electrical panels, solar water heaters and other efficiency upgrades alongside panels to help you get the most value and highest savings from your solar array.

Palmetto Solar Installation Process and Timeline

Palmetto doesn’t specify on its website how long it normally takes for the company to install solar for customers, but I’d guess you’d have to wait for 6 to 8 weeks from the design to the day your panels start generating power, which is typical in the industry. There aren’t many customer reviews specifically complaining about the installation timeline, so I don’t expect you’d run into any issues with delays. However, Palmetto does outsource installation, so there’s always a risk of miscommunication leading to problems.

The company’s process is similar to that of most competitors. You’ll have your initial consultation, and then the design team will propose a system design that suits your home and meets your energy demands. Once you sign your contract, the company will pull all necessary permits and then contract a third-party company to complete the installation. The use of a third-party company is really the only area where Palmetto’s process may differ from what you’d get if you chose a different company.

Palmetto Solar Standard Services & Financing 

17/25

Palmetto loses quite a few points in our ratings when it comes to its standard services. First, it uses third-party installers to complete all of the installation work. This isn’t always a bad thing, but it does open the door for poor communication and even spotty customer service, as your experience will depend on the local installer assigned to your project. I personally would prefer a company that does everything using an in-house team, as I feel like that leads to better results.

Palmetto also loses points because it doesn’t install solar batteries. I actually don’t recommend solar batteries for most solar customers in New Jersey because the state has such a good net metering program. You earn one-to-one credits for all of the power you export to the grid, and you can call on that power at any point for free. The policy effectively lets you use your utility company to maximize savings, so batteries provide minimal financial benefit. They’re still nice to have for maintaining power through blackouts, though, so I would prefer to see Palmetto offering them as options.

Palmetto includes access to the Palmetto app with all of its installations, which lets you monitor your system’s performance and identify dips in production before they cause a major loss in savings. Most installers use third-party apps from the panel, inverter or battery manufacturer, so it’s nice to see Palmetto providing its own app. It also gives you access to pay your lease or loan, so it offers a bit more utility than normal, too.

Cost and Financing Options

Palmetto accepts cash payments and solar loans, as well as a PPA structure called the LightReach program, which is unique and provides more benefits than PPAs from most other installers, in my opinion.

I recommend paying in cash if you can because you’ll avoid paying interest on a loan, and you’ll own your system immediately, which means you’ll see the fastest solar panel payback period and the highest savings over time — an average of nearly $38,000 in New Jersey. Paying in cash also gives you access to the ITC, which holds an average potential value of over $7,000 in Jersey. The only downside to cash payments is that you’ll have to pay for the entire system upfront. At an average cost of over $23,500 in your area, that’s unrealistic for a lot of homeowners.

The next best option, in my opinion, is a solar loan. Solar loans require just a small down payment, making them more accessible than cash payments. However, you’ll pay installments over the life of the loan that include interest, and that interest will cut into your net savings. Based on our research, you can expect to pay around $5,000 in interest over time, bringing down the average savings to $33,000. Solar loans still give you access to the ITC.

A PPA is an arrangement where you get your panels installed for no money upfront, and you agree to buy power from your installer at a reduced rate for the life of the contract. You’ll still save with a PPA, but lifetime savings will be between $4,000 and $5,000, far less than the $30,000+ you’d save if you used cash or a loan. PPAs can also complicate the sale of your home because the buyer needs to agree to assume the contract, and you also don’t get access to the ITC, so you miss out on potential effective savings of around $7,000.

Palmetto’s PPA option is called LightReach, and it includes free maintenance and repairs for the life of your system, which is great. It also gives you the unique option of a buyout after 5 years, which means you get the upfront benefit of not having to pay a down payment, plus the long-term savings normally reserved for cash and loan payments. I really would love to see more companies adopting this kind of contract.

Palmetto Solar Extra Services Offered 

2/5

Palmetto also loses quite a few points in our ratings when it comes to the add-on services it offers. First, it doesn’t provide any roofing services. If your roof is in poor condition or doesn’t have much useful life left in it, you’ll need to repair or replace it before installing panels. Companies that can do both make the process more convenient, and they also leave you with just a single entity yo hold responsible if something goes wrong down the road.

Palmetto also doesn’t offer any energy efficiency upgrades, so it’s really only a good option if you’re looking for a more-or-less bare-bones installation. I prefer to see companies going one step beyond solar installation and coupling panels with things like solar water heaters, insulation upgrades, air sealing and smart thermostat or electrical panel installation to help customers maximize their positive impact on the environment. Palmetto doesn’t offer any of these.

Thankfully, Palmetto does install EV chargers, which I personally think is one of the most important add-on services to have access to in New Jersey. The EV adoption rate outpaces the rate throughout most of the country, and the ZEV mandate means that at-home charging is going to be more in demand than ever before leading up to and moving beyond 2035. It’s great to see Palmetto staying ahead of the curve by installing chargers now.

Palmetto also offers company monitoring for its systems, which means you don’t have to monitor your system yourself. You’ll still get access to the Palmetto app if you want to keep tabs on your system, but the company can also do it for you and remove that responsibility to make it effortless to identify system issues quickly.

Palmetto Solar Environmental Impact & Sustainability Practices 

7.5/10

Converting to solar is one of the best things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint and do right by the environment. You’ll be going from burning fossil fuels to power your home to getting energy directly from the sun. Couple your panels with electric ductless units, and you effectively eliminate your home’s emissions. You can go one step further by choosing an installer and a panel manufacturer that both commit themselves to sustainability, too.

Palmetto makes charitable donations to solar-related organizations, but most of its environmental friendliness comes simply from the number of solar systems it has installed.

The company offers panels from QCells and REC, and I also looked at the sustainability of these 2 manufacturers to determine Palmetto’s overall sustainability score. QCells and REC tie with a few other brands for the highest sustainability score in our solar panel review because they use recycled materials to manufacture panels, they have recycling programs for old panels at the end of their lives and they don’t have a history of unethical or socially unsustainable business practices, like racism in the workplace, forced labor or unsafe working conditions.

Palmetto Solar Equipment Quality & Reliability 

17.85/25

Solar equipment and installation labor are expensive, so you should carefully consider the overall quality of the equipment you’re having installed, as well as the warranty coverage your installer is including with your system. I assess panel brands based on 18 factors, but I think 3 are especially important in New Jersey: panel efficiency, panel degradation rate and snow load rating.

Every panel includes an efficiency rating, which tells you what percentage of the available sunlight your panel will be able to convert into usable energy for your home. The higher the efficiency rating, the more electricity your panels will generate, and the better chance you have of eliminating your electric bill. Efficiency rating is especially important in areas with above-average electricity prices, like New Jersey, as each kWh you generate is more money you’re saving. The best panels have ratings topping 22%, and both brands from Palmetto are above that benchmark.

The degradation rate of a panel tells you how quickly your panels will lose efficiency. All panels degrade over time, but slower degradation rates mean a longer period where your panels will offset your bills and save you money. Again, this is especially helpful in areas like New Jersey, where more power production over time means more savings on above-average electricity prices. Most tier-one panels guarantee 85% to 92% of their initial efficiency remaining after 25 years. Both brands from Palmetto hit that mark, as well, with REC being one of the industry leaders at 92%.

The snow load rating, as you might have guessed, is a measurement of the force your panels can withstand on the top face without sustaining damage. This is a crucial rating to consider in areas like New Jersey, where annual snowfall can sit at nearly double the national average. The average rating among tier-one panels is 5,870 Pascals (Pa). REC panels have a rating of 7,000 Pa, and QCells is the industry leader at 8,100 Pa.

Overall, the equipment available from Palmetto is above-average in all respects.

Warranties and Guarantees

Equipment quality is important, and I think it goes hand-in-hand with warranty coverage. I recommend considering 4 types of solar warranties when deciding on an installer, which I always do when ranking them.

First, I suggest looking at the equipment warranty. This coverage protects you from system damage resulting from manufacturer defects, which are rare but always a possibility. Most manufacturers provide a 25-year equipment warranty, and that gets passed to you through your installer. The REC and QCells panels available from Palmetto both meet that standard, which is excellent.

Second, I recommend looking at the performance warranty, which is the coverage that guarantees your panel degradation rate. As mentioned above, most tier-one manufacturers guarantee that your panels will still have 85% to 92% of their initial efficiency after 25 years, with higher remaining percentages being superior for long-term savings. QCells guarantees 90.58%, and REC guarantees the full 92%, so both come with great coverage.

Next, look at the labor warranty, which guarantees that the installation process won’t lead to system or property damage. I think this is especially important in areas that see extreme weather, like New Jersey, as extreme thunderstorms and remnants from hurricanes along the East Coast can quickly expose issues with poor installation. The average labor warranty lasts for 12 years, and unfortunately, Palmetto falls just shy of this with a 10-year warranty. While that’s kind of a let-down, Palmetto does come through with the fourth warranty type.

Finally, I suggest considering if your installer offers a roof leak warranty, which guarantees you won’t experience roof leaks as a result of installing solar. This kind of protection offers maximum peace of mind, especially in an area like New Jersey, where rainfall and snowfall are both well above the national average. Most installers don’t provide a roof leak warranty, so I’m happy to report that Palmetto does. It covers the roof penetrations for 5 years under its Palmetto Protect coverage plan, which is outstanding.

Palmetto Solar Company Reputation 

21.5/25

Palmetto scores very well in our rating category for company reputation, which I think speaks volumes about the kind of service you can expect from this provider.

First, Palmetto was founded in 2010, so it has just shy of 15 years of experience in the solar industry. I prefer to recommend companies with at least a decade of experience because they’ve proven their ability to succeed in the industry and are more likely to stick around in the future. When new companies pop up and go out of business, they usually void your labor warranty and roof leak warranty, which can lead to high out-of-pocket costs. I’m happy to see Palmetto’s longevity, as I think it’s a marker for future success.

Palmetto outsources installation labor to other companies, but it does make it a point only to work with installers that are NABCEP certified. NABCEP certification doesn’t guarantee a professional and problem-free installation. However, it does suggest that’s exactly what you’ll get, as the certification requires highly specialized training for PV system installations.

Palmetto is also a member of the SEIA, which proves that it has a financial commitment to the local solar industry. By itself, this doesn’t prove anything, but when you consider the company’s extensive history and use of NABCEP-certified installers, it paints a picture of a company that will very likely be in business for years to come and will keep your warranty coverage intact long after installation.

Finally, Palmetto doesn’t have the best customer service scores, but it does rank above average, especially when compared to other companies of its size. It has an A+ rating with the BBB, as well as an above-average 3.16-star customer rating on the site. It also scores above-average on TrustPilot with a 3.7-star rating. I should mention that it only has 1 review on TrustPilot (5 stars), and the total is scaled down based on the lack of reviews. Still, I think it’s impressive and indicative of high-quality customer service that a company of this size scores so well across multiple platforms.

Consumer Reviews and Testimonials

I think aggregate customer review scores are important to consider, but what’s even more important, in my opinion, are the specific issues customers bring up in their reviews. That’s why I read through a few dozen Palmetto Solar reviews to see what customers loved and hated about the service and system they received. Positive reviews for Palmetto mention good communication, solar savings expectations being met and a smooth installation process. Negative reviews suggest that there’s variability in the customer experience, as they mention poor communication, expectations regarding savings not being met and issues with property damage during the installation.

It seems like your experience with Palmetto will depend not only on your local branch but also on the third-party installer assigned to your installation.

I’ll include 1 positive and 1 negative review below that should provide a sense of the best and worst you could reasonably expect from Palmetto Solar.

“We had great customer service and installation. We are still waiting for our first months bill but it seems like we are generating energy from our solar panels. The activation took a little longer than we would have liked but as soon as we followed with our Palmetto contact, it seemed to get things moving again and was activated shortly after.” — Jessica T. via BBB

“I am extremely regretful [of] getting panels by this company, especially because I didn’t want to when the “solar specialist” came to my house. After telling the guy no multiple times, he kept coming to my house, and eventually I broke…horrible mistake. Now I have panels on my newly built home and I’m not even benefiting from them. The sales specialist stated the panels should cover at least 92% of my bill, and that was a lie. I see no difference in my bill since before I had the panels. I am so upset and wish I never got swindled by this company. I will never recommend this company to NO ONE!!! I wish they would come take them…I’m livid.” — Jasmine B. via BBB

Palmetto Solar Customer Service 

8/10

For the last section of our solar company review process, I read through dozens of reviews to get an overall sense of how the company treats customers throughout the installation process and beyond. I deducted a few points because Palmetto absolutely seems to have some instances of spotty customer service, but for the most part, customers seem satisfied.

I also called Palmetto as a secret shopper to see what its initial customer service experience was like. The representative I spoke with did try to schedule an in-person consultation, but I didn’t feel like they were aggressive. They were able and willing to answer some questions about the services offered and the warranty coverage, and the rep was friendly and helpful. If my call is any indication of how the property treats its actual customers, I think you’ll have a good experience.

Why We Chose SunRun

SunRun is a large, national solar installer that has a nice array of products, some unique battery options and numerous financing options available to keep solar as accessible as possible. The thing that stands out most with SunRun is its warranty coverage, specifically for leased systems. It covers maintenance and repairs for free for the length of your contract, providing ultimate peace of mind that your system is protected from the occasional extreme weather and heavy snowfall in New Jersey.

SunRun also has over 15 years of experience, uses NABCEP-certified installers, and includes a roof leak warranty for its systems, so I think overall, you’re getting a professional solar company with longevity in the industry to suggest that its warranty coverage is going to last.

SunRun provides better protection plans for its systems than most other companies, but there are some drawbacks to consider, too. Namely, SunRun outsources its installations to third-party companies, which may or may not be a reason for its lackluster customer service history. It has had issues in the past with delayed responses to warranty claims, aggressive sales tactics and misleading marketing practices, which are some red flags I’m not thrilled with.

What I Like About SunRun

SunRun’s warranty coverage includes roof leak coverage, a 10- to 25-year workmanship warranty and equipment and performance warranties that are in line with industry standards. If you lease your system, you also get access to free maintenance and repairs for life, free professional monitoring and a labor warranty that lasts for more than double the average.

SunRun provides the basics, like panels and batteries, but it also has a decent selection of add-on products, too. It installs EV chargers, which I think are especially important in New Jersey, given the ZEV mandate, offers some energy efficiency upgrades and includes professional monitoring with all of its installations. These perks can help you get more value out of your system in the long run.

What I Don’t Like About SunRun

I think the biggest downside to going solar with SunRun is that it has a history of spotty customer service, and, at least in the past, has used misleading marketing — like representing the investment tax credit as a rebate or inflating savings expectations — to make sales. Similarly, it pushes leases by offering free maintenance and repairs and additional warranty coverage, and leases are less beneficial for customers than paying in cash or with a loan. As such, I’m not thrilled that leases seem to make up a large portion of the company’s business.

SunRun is also known to have issues with communication, potentially due to its use of third-party installers, and some customers complain about slow response times or no responses at all to warranty claims, which is a pretty serious red flag.

SunRun Installation Process and Timeline

SunRun doesn’t have an estimated timeline for its projects, although it does mention that the actual installation typically takes just a single day, which is standard in the industry. I’d expect a timeline of between 6 and 8 weeks from your consultation to the day your panels are installed and activated, which is the average. You may experience some delays with SunRun, though, as there’s always a risk of miscommunication when you choose a company that outsources the installation labor.

SunRun does detail what the process entails, and it’s pretty standard. You’ll first have a consultation to see if your home is a good fit for solar. Then, SunRun will design a system that meets your energy needs and fits your roof. Once you sign your contract and approve the design, SunRun will begin pulling permits for your project, and it will have a third-party installer install your equipment when the permits are approved.

SunRun Standard Services & Financing 

22/25

SunRun scores very well in our ratings when it comes to the standard services and financing options it offers.

It loses some points because it contracts out the installation labor. This isn’t always a bad thing, but it opens the door for miscommunication and the two parties pointing fingers if something goes wrong. I prefer installers that carry out the labor themselves so that you have a single company to hold responsible for the entire process.

SunRun offers solar batteries, including Tesla Powerwalls and a unique battery option that lets you use a Ford F-150 LightningⓇ to charge your home. I’m a big fan of this second unique battery option, and I’d love to see more companies adding utility to EVs like this. I think it’s especially cool in places like New Jersey because the net metering policy makes it so that batteries don’t provide much financial benefit. But if your battery also functions as a car in a state that has a ZEV mandate in place, like New Jersey, it makes adding backup power functionality to your home a much better option. Ultimately, you get the backup power a battery offers, and you stand to save money on gas rather than spending more on a battery.

Every SunRun installation also comes with access to the MySunRun app, which lets you keep track of your electricity consumption and system performance. This means you can monitor your system to identify issues that could indicate damages, and get repairs underway sooner to maintain solar savings.

Cost and Financing Options

SunRun accepts cash purchases, solar loans and solar leases, so it gets full marks in our ratings for working with the most beneficial but least accessible options, as well as those with low upfront costs for accessibility but reduced long-term savings.

Paying in cash means you’ll need to have an average of around $23,590 saved, which is not realistic for many homeowners. However, if you can make that work, I recommend it because it will lead to the highest savings over time — an average of around $37,900. Paying in cash gives you access to the federal tax credit, which holds an average potential value of around $7,000 in New Jersey, and since you’ll own your equipment immediately, your system won’t give you any issues when you go to sell your home, which is something that I can’t say about leases.

Going with a solar loan is much more accessible because you’ll only need a few thousand dollars saved for a down payment in most cases. You will pay interest on your loan, though, which will reduce your savings by around $5,000, on average. Still, you stand to save an average of around $32,900. You can still take the ITC, and selling your home should be simple, provided the buyer is willing to assume the loan or roll it into the financed amount.

A solar lease is one of the most accessible options because it requires no money down. Instead, you pay a monthly rental fee and get to use the power your panels generate for free. Solar leases are attractive because you should solely see savings with no money out of pocket, but over the long run, you’ll likely only save around $5,000. They can also complicate the sale of your home, and they preclude you from taking advantage of the ITC.

I will say again that I’m not a huge fan of SunRun making its leases more enticing by providing far better warranty coverage and maintenance plans with leased systems, but I’m still happy to see the company accepting a wide range of payment plans.

SunRun Extra Services Offered 

3/5

SunRun scores reasonably well in our ratings when it comes to the add-on services it offers, too.

We deducted a few points because the company doesn’t handle roof work. If you need repair or replacement before going solar, you’ll have to go through the additional steps of finding and hiring a roofing contractor. Then, if something goes wrong, there’s a chance the two contractors will blame one another for the issue, leaving you to pay for the repairs out-of-pocket. I personally would be more comfortable hiring a single contractor that could take care of everything so that I had one company to hold responsible in the event of a leak or property damage.

For all other add-on services we look for, though, SunRun provides. It offers some energy efficiency upgrades, including the SPANⓇ smart electrical panel to help you dial in your consumption and potentially see more value from your solar array. I also count the EV-battery combination as an energy efficiency upgrade, and I’m a big fan of the idea overall.

Finally, SunRun includes 24/7 professional monitoring with all of its installations. You can monitor your system yourself via the MySunRun app, but professional monitoring means you don’t have to. SunRun employees will track your panel performance and will automatically report issues and reach out to schedule repairs to get your savings back on track.

SunRun Environmental Impact & Sustainability Practices 

7.5/10

Going solar will drastically reduce your carbon footprint and will almost certainly have a net positive impact on the environment, but you can maximize that impact by choosing a sustainable installer and sustainable equipment brands. SunRun’s sustainability comes largely from the number of systems it has installed. By its own calculations, it has helped keep 18 million metric tons of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. Its employees also donated over 10,000 hours of their time to community service projects, and it publishes an annual sustainability report that details its other sustainability efforts.

I also assess companies based on the sustainability of the panel brands they work with. SunRun installs panels made by REC, QCells, Canadian Solar and SolarEdge. REC, QCells and Canadian Solar all use recycled materials during production to reduce strain on the environment, they have recycling programs to keep old panels out of landfills and none of them have a documented history of unethical business practices, like forced labor or dangerous working conditions. They all tie with a few other brands for 1st in our solar panel reviews for sustainability. SolarEdge panels fall a bit short in comparison, as the company doesn’t use recycled materials during production.

SunRun Equipment Quality & Reliability

16.65/25

Going solar is a big commitment, and in New Jersey, you really need your equipment to last for at least 10 years to break even. While most systems last a minimum of 25, I think it’s still crucial to consider the quality and reliability of the components that each installer offers. I assess panel brands based on 18 criteria, with 3 standing out as especially important in New Jersey. Those include the efficiency rating, the degradation rate and the max snow load rating.

Every panel comes with an efficiency rating, which tells you how efficient it is at converting available sunlight to electricity you can use in your home. Higher efficiency ratings lead to greater solar savings, and they’re particularly beneficial in places like New Jersey, where the cost of electricity is well above the national average. Ideally, you should install panels with a max efficiency rating of 22% or higher. All of the brands SunRun offers hit that mark, with Canadian Solar as the leader at 23.3%.

The degradation rate of a panel tells you how quickly you’ll lose that efficiency. A slower rate means greater savings over time, so you really need to consider the initial efficiency rating and the degradation rate to see what kind of savings you’ll see throughout the life of your system. The best panels guarantee a loss of no more than 15% over 25 years. All of SunRun’s panel options meet that mark, but REC has the slowest degradation rate, guaranteeing that your panels will retain 92% of their initial efficiency after 25 years.

The max snow load of a panel tells you what kind of force on the topside your panels can withstand from snow accumulation. In areas like New Jersey, where the annual snowfall is well in excess of the national average, a higher rating can mean a much lower risk of system damage over the years. The average snow load rating among tier-one panels is 5,870 Pascals (Pa). Canadian Solar and SolarEdge panels from SunRun fall short of this with ratings of 5,400 Pa each. REC has a stellar rating of 7,000 Pa, and QCells is the industry leader at 8,100 Pa.

Personally, I would go with REC or QCells panels if I lived in New Jersey, as they blend high durability with above-average performance.

Warranties and Guarantees

Going solar is expensive, with the average system in New Jersey totaling over $23,500 before incentives, according to our research. That’s why I feel it’s so important to assess the warranty coverage you get with your system, which comes both from your manufacturer and your installer. I look at 4 types of warranty coverage to get a complete snapshot of how well protected your system is.

First, I look at the equipment warranty, which the panel manufacturer typically provides. This protects you from damages related to manufacturer defects. Most manufacturers offer a 25-year warranty, and all of the brands available from SunRun meet that mark.

Second, I look at the performance warranty, which is the one that guarantees the longevity of your system and long-term savings. Most manufacturers guarantee that your panels will retain between 85% and 92% of their initial efficiency after 25 years of use. As I mentioned earlier, all of the brands from SunRun provide this, with REC being one of the best in the industry and guaranteeing the full 92%.

Third, I look at the labor warranty, which covers the installation labor and ensures mistakes don’t lead to property damage. Equipment and performance warranties are usually very similar among installers because they come from the manufacturer, but the labor warranty is one thing that really indicates a positive or negative installation experience. The average labor warranty in the industry is 12 years. If you use cash or a loan to purchase your system, SunRun falls a bit short with just a 10-year warranty. If you lease, you get double that — 25 years.

Finally, I look for roof leak warranties, which guarantee that your roof won’t leak as a result of installing rooftop solar panels. Roof leak warranties are also beneficial, but they’re particularly useful in places like New Jersey, where rainfall and snowfall are both above average and increase the risk of a leak. Most solar installers don’t offer any roof leak warranty, so I’m thrilled to see SunRun including a 10-year roof penetration warranty, regardless of how you finance your system.

SunRun Company Reputation

19.5/25

In a high-demand state like New Jersey, I think it’s important to look at a company’s reputation in the local market to avoid going with a less reputable installer that might just be jumping into the industry to turn a profit. We review each installer based on their reputation to help you avoid those companies and the issues they tend to bring.

First, I like to recommend companies with at least a decade of experience. A lot of new companies go out of business when they realize they can’t keep up with the immense amount of competition, and they often take your warranty coverage with them. SunRun has over 15 years of experience, so I expect that it will be around for the long haul, as will your protection package.

SunRun further solidifies its presence in the local solar industry by maintaining SEIA membership, which proves a financial commitment to the local industry. This certainly doesn’t prove anything, but it does suggest that the company is successful and will maintain that level of success in the near future.

SunRun outsources all of the installation labor, but it only uses NABCEP-certified installers, which I think is a big deal. NABCEP certification requires specialized training for solar equipment installations, so you’re more likely to get a professional installation from an installer that is certified.

Finally, we look at company ratings and customer ratings across a few platforms, including the BBB and TrustPilot. SunRun has an A+ score with the BBB, as well as a 3.59-star customer rating. This is well above the industry average, especially for a company of SunRun’s size. I will say that I’ve noticed SunRun’s customer ratings improving over the past few years, which I think is a great sign that the company is nailing down its processes and reshifting its focus back to you as the customer.

Unfortunately, SunRun loses quite a few points in our ratings because of its below-average customer rating on TrustPilot of just 1.4 stars. It’s unclear why there’s such a large disparity between the 2 sites, but we scored SunRun accordingly.

Consumer Reviews and Testimonials

I always read through a few dozen customer reviews for each installer to see what it does well and where customers wish the company was better. This gives me a good sense of the specific issues you might face and what is likely to go well. Positive reviews for SunRun mention fast installations, good communication and savings expectations being met, which are all good signs. Negative reviews mention poor customer service, issues and delays with the installation, slow response times to warranty claims, misleading marketing practices and aggressive sales tactics. It appears your experience will depend largely on your local branch and the third-party installer assigned to your project.

I’ll include a positive and negative SunRun review below to give you a sense of what you can expect from the company.

“I’ve had [an] amazing experience with Sunrun. It’s been a great company. I got my system installed two years ago. I received nothing but credits from my energy bill, and [my] home has been saving thousands of dollars [each] year.” — Jacob P. via BBB

“They have caused massive delays. My system was installed June 2023 and is still not operating. They provided inaccurate paperwork, they had a faulty knowledge of the city requirements and are unresponsive. All of these issues caused delays. I installed a system at a vacation house and used a different company. No problems with them. Do NOT use Sunrun.” — Daniel via TrustPilot

SunRun Customer Service 

4/10

Unfortunately, I had to deduct quite a few points from SunRun due to what I believe is a relatively high risk of having a bad experience with the provider. The company has many poor reviews that mention serious issues, including misleading marketing tactics and slow response times to warranty claims. I feel you might still come out with savings if you do your research beforehand and don’t let the company pressure you into a less appealing lease option, but I still wish these issues weren’t present at all. I hope SunRun continues improving its customer service, at I’ve seen it do over the past few years.

I also called SunRun as a secret shopper, and my experience was a positive one. I didn’t feel pressured at all or like the company was intentionally misleading me, but your experience may vary once you have a representative come for an in-person consultation. I will say that the rep was friendly and mentioned that batteries aren’t as beneficial in New Jersey as they are in some other states, which did score the company some points for honesty.