The best solar installers in New Jersey
Our top picks below are local installers we re-verified in October 2026 — each has a verified website or Google business listing (use the Google listing for current phone numbers and hours). For other regions, see the Honorable mentions below.
Trinity Solar Local
Why listed: 4.5-star Google rating from 1818 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Green Power Energy Local
Why listed: 4.7-star Google rating from 567 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
NJ Solar Power Local
Why listed: 4.6-star Google rating from 74 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Exact Solar Local
Why listed: 4.9-star Google rating from 113 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
National installers National
Sunrun, Tesla Energy, and Palmetto Solar are the major national installers still actively taking new New Jersey residential contracts as of 2026. Palmetto Solar currently holds EnergySage's Elite+ tier — the platform's highest installer rating. National installers typically have larger sales footprints but also higher financing markup and more variable local service quality than the state-based installers above.
Avoid — recently bankrupt or exited: Sunnova (Chapter 11 June 2025), the original SunPower (Chapter 11 August 2024 — the current "SunPower Inc." is rebranded Complete Solaria, a separate company), ADT Solar (exited residential solar January 2024 — warranty service only), and Freedom Forever (Chapter 11 April 2026, converted to Chapter 7 liquidation August 2026). If a salesperson contacts you under any of these brand names, ask which legal entity is actually signing the contract and warranty.
For the complete list of national installers with state coverage maps, financing terms, and ratings:
New Jersey solar economics in 2026
| Metric | New Jersey average |
|---|---|
| Average residential rate | $0.17–$0.20 / kWh |
| Typical 8 kW system cost (cash) | $22,000–$28,000 before incentives |
| Average $/W | $2.75–3.50 |
| Average annual production (kWh per kW) | ~1,250–1,400 kWh/kW/year |
| Net metering structure | Net metering at retail |
| Average cash payback | 7–9 years |
For full state-by-state cost comparison see solar cost by state.
New Jersey solar incentives and rebates (2026)
New Jersey stacks federal credit pathways (commercial Section 48E for businesses and third-party-owned residential), state-level credits/rebates where applicable, statutory tax exemptions, and utility-specific programs. Below is the 2026 picture with links to authoritative sources.
Federal credits (2026)
- Commercial Section 48E (Clean Electricity Investment Credit): Available to businesses, farms, and to third-party owners in lease/PPA structures (which can pass the benefit through as lower monthly payments). FEOC restrictions apply — see FEOC rules guide and FEOC compliant parts list. IRS — Clean Electricity Investment Credit.
- USDA REAP grants (agricultural / rural small business): Up to 50% of project cost, with low-interest loan guarantees on top. Quarterly application windows. "Before you build" rules — you must apply before construction starts. USDA — REAP Program.
- Federal 30C EV Charger Tax Credit: Up to 30% of eligible EV charging equipment + installation costs at qualifying locations. Expires for property placed in service after June 30, 2026. IRS — 30C Credit.
New Jersey state-level incentives
- SuSI / SREC-II: Per-MWh production incentive paid for 15 years. Residential rate $85/MWh as of 2025 — verify 2026. Among the strongest residential solar incentive stacks in the US.
- Property tax exemption: NJ Statute 54:4-3.113 — 100% property tax exemption for solar PV.
- Sales tax: NJ sales tax exemption for solar PV equipment.
Net metering & utility programs in New Jersey
NJ retail-rate NEM with annual true-up. See also net metering explained.
- PSE&G: NEM + SuSI www.pseg.com
- JCP&L: NEM. Hosting capacity tighter in some Atlantic / Ocean County areas
- Atlantic City Electric: NEM + SuSI www.atlanticcityelectric.com
- Rockland Electric: NEM
New Jersey SREC market
SuSI/SREC-II is the dominant ongoing revenue stream — installer registers your system at PTO; missing the registration window costs you 15 years of payments.
New Jersey battery storage incentives
NJ Energy Storage Incentive Program — periodic state battery rebates; verify 2026 budget status.
New Jersey EV charger and EV-purchase incentives (2026)
- State EV purchase rebate: Charge Up NJ: Purchase rebate up to $4,000 for new EV (verify 2026 funding).
- Federal 30C EV Charger Tax Credit: Up to 30% of eligible equipment + installation in qualifying low-income / non-urban census tracts. Expires June 30, 2026 for property placed in service after that date.
- Many New Jersey utilities and cooperatives offer Level 2 EV charger rebates ($150–$800 typical) often tied to TOU enrollment or smart-charger requirements. Check directly with your specific utility.
Authoritative sources to verify before signing
- NJ Clean Energy Program: www.njcleanenergy.com
- DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency): programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=NJ — searchable national database, kept current by NC State.
- Federal IRS guidance: irs.gov — Clean Electricity Investment Credit
What to verify before signing in New Jersey
- Contractor license: Verify with your state contractor licensing authority before signing.
- NABCEP certification: Most reputable installers carry NABCEP-certified installers on staff. Ask which crew member holds the certification.
- Insurance: General liability + workers comp + roofer's insurance separate from electrical insurance.
- References from your county: Permitting and inspection requirements vary. Ask for 2–3 references from your specific county.
- Get at least three bids: Solar bids vary by 20–35% on the same scope of work. See how to compare solar bids.
Got bids from New Jersey installers? Compare them properly.
Upload up to four solar proposals from any New Jersey installer. The analyzer compares $/W, production estimates, equipment, and financing structure — and tells you which one to sign.
Analyze My Bids →Honorable mentions
Additional installers worth getting a quote from — strong NJ-based alternatives and regional installers that serve New Jersey from neighboring states.
Other New Jersey-based installers
Momentum Solar Local
Why listed: 3.6-star Google rating from 1475 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Advisor Solar Local
Why listed: 5-star Google rating from 131 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Impact Solar Local
Why listed: 5-star Google rating from 142 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Regional installers serving New Jersey
Worth a quote if you're near the NY or PA border, but expect longer drive times for service calls than a fully NJ-based installer.
Venture Home (formerly Venture Solar) Regional
Why listed: 4.7-star Google rating from 410 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Lumina Solar Regional
Why listed: 4.9-star Google rating from 842 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Tip: NJ's SREC-II / SuSI program is one of the strongest residual-revenue stacks in the country. Make sure your installer registers your system in the program at PTO; missing the registration window leaves SREC dollars on the table for the lifetime of the system.
Frequently asked questions about New Jersey solar
Does solar make sense in New Jersey?
Yes for most homeowners with a $150+ monthly electric bill, an unshaded roof, and 8+ years of expected ownership. New Jersey's specific economics are summarized in the table above.
How much does a typical New Jersey solar install cost in 2026?
$22,000–$28,000 for an 8 kW system before incentives. Effective net cost depends on your state and utility incentives.
Should I get more than three bids?
Yes — three is a minimum. Four or five is better. Solar bids vary by 20–35% on the same scope of work. See how to compare solar bids.
Are there other reputable New Jersey solar installers besides these?
Many. The list above represents installers with strong public profiles in New Jersey; reputable installers exist beyond it. Get bids from a mix and compare them objectively rather than relying on any one list.