Currently running an impressive 4.4 gigawatts of installed solar power capacity, you could say that New Jersey is a state in great favor of solar energy. This achievement places the Garden State at the 10th spot in solar power adoption nationally [1].
Such a robust solar capacity is sufficient to power over 188,970 homes and businesses that decided to install solar panels in the last couple years. Solar energy also contributes a remarkable 7.55% to the state’s overall electricity generation [1].
As solar energy steadily takes part in the energy generation ratio, the state’s commitment to maximizing the benefits of solar energy for homeowners only grows bigger and available offers get better.
So, is going solar really worth it in New Jersey?
Opting for solar power in New Jersey is an economically wise choice. Why?
Well, for instance, a standard residential solar panel system in the state can produce approximately 1,200 to 1,500 kWh per year for every kilowatt (kW) of installed solar capacity.
What does this mean? Take a 5-kW system which is a residential standard. This sized solar system can generate between 6,000 to 7,500 kWh annually. And given New Jersey’s average electricity rate of about $0.15 per kWh, homeowners should see annual savings ranging from $900 to $1,125 on their electric bills [2]. Sounds good, doesn’t it?
Additionally, the typical payback period for a solar panel system in New Jersey spans about 7 to 9 years and is influenced by the size of the system and local incentives, which are notably attractive in the state. We talk about them in detail in the last part of this article.
Solar equipment costs have plummeted by over 50% in the past decade, making solar energy an increasingly affordable choice for New Jersey residents. In addition to financial benefits, solar panels reduce dependence on traditional energy sources and protect you against future energy cost rises. This is another quite important argument in favor of making the transition.
If you are considering improving your home with solar panels, the next step is choosing a reliable company that provides top-quality solar panels and professional services. We are here to assist you with our summary of the best solar companies in New Jersey.
Best Solar Companies in New Jersey
Solar Company | Greentumble Rating Score |
---|---|
SunPower by Sea Bright Solar | ![]() |
Solar Me | ![]() |
Green Sun Energy Services | ![]() |
Solar Energy World | ![]() |
Infinity Energy | ![]() |
NJ Renewable Energy | ![]() |
AllSeason Solar & Roofing | ![]() |
Advanced Renewable Solutions | ![]() |
Suntuity Renewables | ![]() |
Green Power Energy | ![]() |
SunPower by Sea Bright Solar – Best Solar Company in New Jersey
SunPower by Sea Bright Solar delivers to the New Jersey solar scene its exceptional services and SunPower verified products. Established in 2003, the company has provided power to thousands of homeowners and businesses in New Jersey. As a locally owned and operated SunPower master dealer, Sea Bright Solar combines the superior technology of industry leaders with local service. They are more than a solar provider – they are neighbors committed to fostering sustainable energy independence.
Sea Bright Solar stands out for embracing the latest technology and best practices. They offer comprehensive guidance on solar financing and incentives. Their innovative solar system installations are designed to cover energy costs by up to 100%. A standout feature of Sea Bright Solar is their $0 down solar power offer for homes.
In any situation, the company delivers top-tier SunPower technology and unmatched customer service at competitive prices. Maxeon solar panels from SunPower are renowned for their exceptional quality. Maxeon panels are among the highest efficiency solar panels currently available in the market.
Did you know that these solar panels have demonstrated also the lowest degradation rates in the industry? This was evidenced in field testing over eight years across 800,000 panels at 264 sites. The resilience of this important piece of solar equipment ensures long-term performance of your solar system and makes them a reliable investment.
This installer has 20 years of experience backed by best-in-class solar solutions and warranties. When opting for Sea Bright Solar, you are choosing an award-winning team recognized for excellence — SunPower National Dealer of the Year in 2020, Regional Dealer of the Year in 2012 & 2014, and recipient of the SunPower Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022.
Some other Sea Bright Solar’s offerings worth mentioning are:
- 25-Year Industry-Leading Warranty and 10-year workmanship warranty
- Recognition as Residential Regional Dealer of the Year
- An A+ BBB® rating
- NABCEP Certification
- Licensed electrical contractor credentials
- NYSERDA Quality Solar Installer Gold Status
You should also check the company’s positive customer reviews online for more information.
Solar Me – Runner-Up
Solar Me is a solar contractor with 5-star reviews on many trustworthy rating platforms for services in New Jersey. Choosing Solar Me to install your solar panels comes with some great advantages that truly make them a standout choice in the local solar market.
Firstly, the company has been BBB accredited since March 21, 2016, and is NABCEP certified. This means they have got a solid reputation and the right credentials to perform the installations. With 9 years in the business and over 15 years of experience in the solar industry, Solar Me has a deep understanding of solar technology and customer needs, which is exactly what you are looking for.
With over 1,100 completed projects and 12 MW of solar capacity installed in New Jersey, they really know the local scene and what works best in the area.
This company designs and installs a wide range of photovoltaic solar systems for homes. This includes grid-tied or even fully off-grid solar systems. They tailor their services to what you need. What’s more, they use top-notch solar panels from brands like Hanwah, Panasonic, and LG, plus reliable inverters from Solaredge and Enphase. You are getting some of the best equipment available.
As the Sea Bright Solar, Solar Me also understands everyone’s financial situation is different, so they offer various payment plans. You can agree with them on the upfront payment with all its benefits or go for a solar loan or a lease which have their own advantages. At Solar Me they will gladly discuss pros and cons of each choice with you.
Extra benefit: Got an issue with your current solar setup? Their team can diagnose the problem and fix it. Plus, they offer monitoring systems so you can keep an eye on how your solar is doing in the long term. Great help, really.
How To Choose the Best Solar Company in New Jersey
In 2022, New Jersey was ranked 8th in the United States for total cumulative installed solar PV capacity. This ranking placed it behind states like California, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Arizona, Nevada, and Georgia. This makes your choice easier as you should be able to find reliable solar companies in your state with enough experience and good pricing. Luckily, most information you need is readily available on the internet.
So, where to begin? There are a few key things to keep in mind. You want a solar panel installer you can really trust, one with a solid reputation for quality work and great customer service.
A quick Google search is a good start – it lets you peek at their website and find what others say about them. This is a great chance to ask about their history, warranty details, and the way they treat their customers. Plus, you get to see what kind of products and brands they work with. Also, don’t hesitate to ask around – personal experiences from people you know can be super helpful.
With all the info online these days, it’s easy to find out what people think of a company. Check out reviews on places like Google and Facebook. A bunch of positive reviews? Sounds like you might be onto a winner. If you stumble upon negative patterns in the reviews, that’s a red flag.
You can tell a lot from the first call or email. Are they quick to get back to you? Do they make you feel rushed, or are they all about helping you find what’s best for your home? Good customer service means they listen and are willing to offer options that fit your budget.
You should not forget about after-sale service – it’s just as important. Find out about their warranty and how they handle issues down the road.
Solar panels are a big investment, so you want it to be worth every penny. Prices that seem too low might not be the best deal in the long run. It is a good idea to compare quotes from a few companies. And do not focus only on the price tag. The overall value includes the quality of work and the service you will receive.
The best solar installers have experience and expertise in the industry. They are knowledgeable about the latest technologies, installation techniques, and local regulations. They also use high-quality solar panels and equipment. They partner with reputable manufacturers to provide efficient and long-lasting solar products. This ensures that customers get the most out of their investment.
The best solar installers often have certifications from recognized industry organizations, such as the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Awards and recognitions from industry bodies or local communities also speak volumes about their credibility and excellence.
Solar Incentives in New Jersey
Becoming a solar energy owner in New Jersey is a smart decision. As mentioned before in our article, there are many factors in favor of this transition, but one of the best parts is that the state offers some nice financial incentives for residential solar systems. One of the best are Solar Renewable Energy Certificates.
#1 Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SREC)
Solar Renewable Energy Certificates work like a reward system for producing solar energy. Here’s how it works: when you install solar panels on your home in New Jersey, you get for every megawatt-hour (MWh) of solar electricity produced one Solar Renewable Energy Credit, or SREC. These credits are essentially proof of generating renewable energy.
SRECs are valuable because they play a crucial role in helping New Jersey meet its solar energy goals. By 2028, the state requires electricity companies to source a minimum of 4.1% of their power from in-state solar installations. They can meet this goal by buying SRECs from people like you who have solar panels. So, if you’re producing solar energy, you can sell your SRECs to these companies, creating a win-win situation.
To start earning SRECs, you need to register your solar project with the SREC Registration Program before you begin construction – good news is that our selected solar companies help you with the application process. This step is crucial to establish your eligibility to earn SRECs. Once your solar panels are up and running, you can start generating and trading SRECs for the first 10 years of the lifetime of your solar system.
The value of SRECs in New Jersey fluctuates based on market supply and demand. The Solar Alternative Compliance Payment (SACP) acts as a ceiling on SREC prices. Electricity companies that don’t buy enough SRECs must pay the SACP rate, which has ranged from about $239 to $711 per MWh in recent years. The current market price of SRECs is around $266.
Additionally, there are financing programs like the PSE&G Solar Loan Program, which helps customers finance PV systems. Customers can repay the loan using the SRECs produced by their systems.
You can also find some additional information on the SREC Trade website.
Successor Solar Incentive (SuSI) program or SREC-II
In summer 2021, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) gave a big thumbs up to the Successor Solar Incentive Program (SuSI Program). This program was set to kick off on August 28, 2021, and is all about supporting the development of a whopping 3,750 megawatts (MW) of new solar generation by 2026. It should push solar to cover about 10 percent of New Jersey’s total electricity supply.
The SuSI Program offers to homeowners a fixed-price incentive payment for 15 years for net-metered solar projects that are 5 MW or smaller. The incentives are pretty sweet, ranging from $70-$120 per SREC-II.
#2 Net metering
New Jersey homeowners with solar panels can take advantage of the net metering program. This program, in line with the Solar Act of 2012, allows you to earn credits on your utility bill for the extra electricity your solar system produces and sends back to the grid. At the end of the year, if you have generated more electricity than you used, you get credit for it at the wholesale value of electricity.
In New Jersey, you need to have an interconnection agreement with your Electric Distribution Company (EDC). This agreement lays out the rules about connecting your solar system to the grid and covers important stuff like safety and technical requirements.
All regulated electric utility companies in New Jersey (like PSE&G, JCP&L, Atlantic City Electric, and Rockland Electric) offer net metering. To be eligible, your solar system’s capacity shouldn’t be more than what you need for a year.
#3 Energy Efficient Mortgages
Energy Efficient Mortgages (EEMs) is an alternative financing option that can be well suited for your personal situation. This type of a special loan is great for financing energy-saving upgrades to your house, including adding photovoltaic solar panels.
The U.S. government backs these loans through the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) or Veterans Affairs (VA) programs. This is good news because it means more people can get these loans, even if they might have trouble getting a regular loan. Plus, for some, this is a safer way of lending the money to finance your house upgrade.
Now, let’s talk about the Federal Housing Authority Energy Efficient Mortgages. They let you add the cost of making your home more energy-efficient, like installing solar panels, right onto your existing mortgage. The amount you can add depends on a few things like where you live and how much your home is worth. The cool part? The money you can borrow is based on how much you will save by being more energy-efficient.
For veterans, the VA offers a similar deal with its own Energy Efficient Mortgages. These are for buying homes or refinancing your current home, with a certain amount you can borrow based on how much you will save on energy.
Then there are Conventional EEMs. These are not backed by the government but are offered by private lenders. They let you borrow money for energy improvements based on your home’s value.
Finally, the ENERGY STAR program partners with lenders to promote these energy-efficient loans. Being a partner means these lenders can use the ENERGY STAR name to show they offer these special loans.
#4 Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
In New Jersey, just like in the rest of the United States, homeowners can take advantage of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This fantastic program lets you deduct up to 30 percent of your solar energy system installation costs from your federal income taxes. ITC is a nationwide incentive that is really spurring on investments in solar power.
The ITC is all about giving you a significant tax break. It directly reduces the income taxes that you would otherwise pay to the IRS. Initially, this credit offered a 30 percent tax reduction for both residential and commercial solar projects up until 2019. There was a plan for this percentage to decrease gradually over time.
However, there has been a great update! Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act passed by Congress in August 2022, this decrease has been put on hold. Now, the tax credit is locked in at 30 percent for the next ten years, right up until 2032. That means, for folks in New Jersey looking to go solar, you have got a wonderful opportunity to save 30 percent on your solar system investment for quite a few years to come.
#5 Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems
The Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems is a game-changer for those installing solar panels on their property. What it means is pretty simple but super beneficial: when you add a solar energy system to your home, the value that this system adds to your property won’t increase your property taxes.
Here’s how it works: Normally, when you make improvements to your home, its value goes up, and so do your property taxes. But in New Jersey, solar panels are an exception to this rule. The state says that even though solar panels likely increase the value of your home, your property tax won’t go up because of them. This exemption applies from the moment the solar system is installed and continues for as long as the system is installed and working.
#6 Solar Energy Sales Tax Exemption
In New Jersey, the Solar Energy Sales Tax Exemption means that when you buy a solar panel system for your property, you don’t have to pay the state’s sales tax on the purchase. It is a pretty sweet deal because it lowers the upfront cost of going solar.
Normally, when you buy something in New Jersey, you have to pay sales tax on your purchase. But with this exemption, if you’re buying solar panels, that sales tax is waived. This can lead to significant savings, considering the total cost of a solar panel system.
This tax exemption makes solar energy systems more affordable and appealing. By not having to pay the sales tax, you can save a good chunk of money, making the switch to solar power a more economically attractive option.
In a nutshell, the Solar Energy Sales Tax Exemption is part of New Jersey’s efforts to encourage the use of clean, renewable energy. It’s a win for your wallet and a win for the environment, making it easier and more cost-effective to install solar panels on your home or business.

Additional information before going solar in New Jersey
At the end of this article, we would like to share with you three useful sources of information where you can get some additional information about solar energy in New Jersey.
Firstly, in continuation of the solar incentives, is the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency. You can use this resource to search for available incentives, rebates and policies in your state or even municipality. You may be able to find even some additional benefits for making your house more energy efficient.
If you still want to do your research regarding solar power efficiency in your location, Google made a tool called “Project Sunroof” where you can find data on how to estimate how much potential solar energy has at your location. A similar tool is also the Global Solar Atlas. This tool gives you information on how much solar energy the residential photovoltaic system approximately generates in your location.
You can work with these resources when preparing for your first consultation with a selected solar company. Good luck and we hope you will have a positive experience.
[2] https://www.eia.gov/electricity/state/newjersey/