New Jersey is quickly becoming a top solar state, currently ranking #8 in the nation for total solar energy capacity installed. As of 2023, over 160,000 homes in the Garden State are powered by clean, renewable solar energy – and that number is rapidly growing as more homeowners look to shrink their utility bills.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll highlight the 10 best solar companies in New Jersey to help you save big on electricity costs. Whether you want to buy or lease your solar panels, prefer a large national installer or local provider, or have specific equipment requirements, you‘re sure to find a great fit among these top NJ solar contractors.
But first, let‘s look at why going solar is such an attractive option in New Jersey.
Why New Jersey is a Top State for Solar Savings
There are several factors that make New Jersey one of the best places in the U.S. to install a residential solar energy system:
High Electricity Rates – NJ homeowners pay some of the highest electricity prices in the country, with an average rate of over 16 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). That‘s around 30% more than the national average! Installing solar allows you to generate your own power and greatly reduce or even eliminate your monthly electric bills.
Robust State Incentives – Beyond the 30% federal solar tax credit, New Jersey offers some of the best solar incentives of any state. Through the NJ Successor Solar Incentive (SuSI) Program, homeowners can earn Transition Renewable Energy Certificates (TRECs) for every megawatt-hour (MWh) of solar electricity their system generates. 1 TREC is earned per MWh and has a fixed value of $90. The average NJ home solar system generates around 8 TRECs per year, putting an extra $720 in your pocket annually for 15 years.
NJ also exempts home solar systems from sales and property taxes, saving you 6.625% upfront and protecting you from property tax hikes triggered by your solar install increasing your home‘s value.
Ideal Climate – New Jersey‘s relatively sunny climate provides an ideal environment for solar panels to generate plenty of power. NJ averages over 200 sunny or partly sunny days per year.
High Solar Adoption – The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) reports that 6.5% of NJ‘s electricity comes from solar – the 5th highest share in the nation. This widespread adoption has created a mature, competitive solar market in NJ with experienced installers and affordable pricing.
Now that we know why solar is such a smart investment in New Jersey, let‘s take a closer look at the state‘s best solar companies and what they have to offer.
Top 10 Solar Companies in New Jersey
#1: Trinity Solar
Headquartered in Wall Township, NJ, Trinity Solar is the state‘s largest residential solar installer by far. The 28-year-old company has installed over 75,000 solar systems across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.
Trinity is known for their high-quality solar installations and outstanding customer support. They offer multiple financing options including solar loans, leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Their 25-year warranties cover both equipment and workmanship.
While Trinity‘s size allows them to offer very competitive pricing, their large scale has sometimes led to inconsistent job scheduling and communication issues according to some customer reviews. But overall, their reputation is very positive.
#2: Green Power Energy
Green Power Energy is an experienced solar and roofing contractor based in Annandale, NJ. Founded in 2009, they‘ve installed over 3,500 solar energy systems across the state. Green Power exclusively uses their own in-house installation teams rather than subcontractors.
Green Power offers solar loans and accepts cash purchases and outside financing (no leases or PPAs). They promote their $0 down financing options that still let you take advantage of the federal tax credit and NJ TREC incentives.
While their pricing is a bit higher than some competitors, Green Power is known for their top-notch workmanship and responsive customer service. They offer an industry-leading 30-year warranty covering equipment, production, and labor.
#3: Momentum Solar
One of the fastest-growing solar companies in NJ and the U.S., Momentum Solar is based in South Plainfield. The company has expanded rapidly since 2009 and now employs over 1,500 people and operates in 7 states.
Momentum offers all major solar financing options and uses a mix of in-house and outsourced installation labor. Their pricing is competitive and they advertise low $0-down solar loans. Momentum offers 25-year warranties for both equipment and workmanship. The company has mostly positive reviews but has had some complaints about subcontracted work.
#4: SunPower by Green Venture
SunPower by Green Venture is the largest SunPower dealer in New Jersey. SunPower‘s high-efficiency solar panels are some of the best on the market, but also come with premium prices. Green Venture is able to offer these top-of-the-line panels at relatively affordable prices due to their large sales volumes.
The Holmdel-based company offers SunPower‘s industry-leading 25-year bumper-to-bumper warranty covering equipment, power production, and workmanship. They provide solar loans, leases, and PPAs in addition to cash sales. Green Venture uses their own installation teams and has a reputation for tidy, professional work.
#5: Amergy Solar
Founded in 2008, Amergy Solar is a midsized New Jersey solar installer with a great track record. The Flemington-based company provides custom solar designs and turnkey installations using highly rated solar equipment.
Amergy offers $0 down solar loans and a production-based 25-year warranty. Their prices are competitive and they use their own experienced installation crews. Amergy has fantastic customer reviews noting smooth projects and helpful support. The only downside is that Amergy does not offer leases or PPAs.
#6: Solar Me
Solar Me is a leading solar provider serving most of New Jersey. The Cranford-based company has installed thousands of solar systems since 2003. Solar Me designs each system in-house to optimize performance and aesthetics.
Solar Me offers solar loans, leases, and PPAs along with cash sales. Their 25-year warranty covers equipment and workmanship. While Solar Me‘s prices are a bit higher than average, their quality and service are top-notch according to customer reviews.
#7: ADT Solar (Sunpro Solar)
The solar division of home security giant ADT, ADT Solar (formerly Sunpro Solar) brings nationwide scale and backing to the NJ market. ADT Solar emphasizes worry-free solar ownership with their 25-year production guarantee, system monitoring, and comprehensive warranty.
ADT Solar provides all major financing options and uses their own installation teams. Their prices are above average but you‘re paying for a premium experience with a Fortune 500 company.
#8: Sunergy Solar
A well-established New Jersey installer, Sunergy Solar has been serving the state since 2009. The Hamilton-based company designs and installs top-quality solar systems using industry-leading equipment from brands like LG, Enphase, and SolarEdge.
Sunergy offers $0-down solar loans and cash sales, but no solar leases or PPAs. Their 25-year comprehensive warranty covers parts, labor and production. Sunergy has very positive customer reviews and competitive pricing.
#9: Impact Solar
Impact Solar is a locally-owned and operated solar company based in Eatontown, NJ. Since 2008, they‘ve helped over 2,000 NJ homeowners go solar with expertly designed and installed solar energy systems.
Impact Solar‘s pricing is very competitive and they use highly-rated solar equipment with 25-year warranties. They provide $0-down solar loans but don‘t offer leases or PPAs. Impact Solar is known for their integrity, professionalism, and personal touch. Their local expertise is a plus if you‘re looking for a NJ-based provider.
#10: Venture Solar
With offices in Mays Landing and Old Bridge, Venture Solar is a fast-growing solar company making a name for themselves in NJ. The 11-year-old company has expanded rapidly thanks to the quality of their installations and customer care.
Venture Solar offers cash purchases and $0-down solar loans, but no leases or PPAs. Their prices are competitive and they offer 25-year equipment and labor warranties. Venture exclusively uses their own installers. With overwhelmingly positive reviews, Venture Solar is quickly becoming a top solar choice in NJ.
Making Your NJ Solar Company Decision
With so many great solar companies to choose from in New Jersey, how do you decide which one is the best fit for you? Here are some tips:
Get Multiple Quotes – We recommend getting solar quotes from at least 3 different companies to compare equipment, financing, and pricing. Most solar installers provide free consultations and quotes.
Check for Licensing & Certification – As you evaluate solar installers, verify that they are licensed and insured in New Jersey. Also look for industry certifications like NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners), which is the gold standard for solar installation.
Read Customer Reviews – Online reviews are a great way to get a sense of an installer‘s quality and service. Check sites like Google, Yelp, EnergySage, Best Company, and the Better Business Bureau. Keep in mind that a few negative reviews are normal for any large company.
Understand the Warranty – A strong, comprehensive warranty is a must for protecting your solar investment long-term. The best solar warranties are 25 years long and cover equipment, performance, and workmanship. Be sure to read the fine print.
Consider Equipment – The specific equipment used for your solar installation will impact your system performance, reliability, and aesthetics. Ask potential installers what brands they use and if they offer multiple equipment options to meet your needs and budget.
Don‘t Just Focus on Price – While price is certainly an important consideration, don‘t automatically choose the cheapest quote without regards to quality and service. Often, you get what you pay for, although paying the highest price doesn‘t always guarantee the best experience either. Look for a installer that offers a good combination of competitive pricing and value.
How Much Can You Save With Solar in New Jersey?
The average New Jersey home solar system costs around $20,000 before incentives for a 7 kilowatt (kW) system. But thanks to the generous solar incentives available in NJ, the net cost is much lower.
Here‘s an example breakdown:
Gross cost for 7 kW solar system: $20,000
minus NJ TREC incentives (approximately $6,480)
minus 30% federal solar tax credit ($5,100)
minus sales tax savings at 6.625% ($1,325)
Net cost after incentives: $10,375
Keep in mind this is just an example – your actual savings will vary based on your specific system size, location, equipment, and energy needs. But as you can see, the combination of NJ‘s TREC incentives, the federal tax credit, and sales tax exemption can cut the net cost of going solar nearly in half!
Combine these upfront savings with ongoing monthly electric bill savings and your solar system can pay itself off in 5-8 years. Over 25 years, the average NJ homeowner can save over $35,000 by going solar – and that‘s a conservative estimate.
And don‘t forget, installing solar also increases your property value and provides long-term protection against rising electricity rates. It‘s truly a smart investment from both a financial and environmental perspective.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, New Jersey is an ideal place to go solar thanks to a combination of high electric rates, strong state incentives, a sunny climate, and a well-developed solar industry. By choosing one of NJ‘s best solar companies from our list above, you can be confident that you‘ll have a great experience and maximize your long-term savings.
Of course, we recommend doing your own research and getting multiple quotes to find the best solar installer for your specific needs. But with the compelling economics and environmental benefits of solar, there‘s never been a better time to make the switch in New Jersey. Here‘s to shrinking your carbon footprint and fattening your wallet by going solar in the Garden State!
