Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Cranford, New Jersey. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Trinity Solar is one of the largest residential solar providers in the Northeast, known for a strong local presence in New Jersey. They offer a comprehensive turnkey service from initial consultation and system design to installation, maintenance, and financing. They are recognized for their in-house installation teams and strong manufacturer partnerships.
A national leader in residential solar with a significant market share in New Jersey. Sunrun is best known for its flexible solar financing options, including purchase, loan, and popular Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). They provide robust monitoring services and have extensive experience with New Jersey's specific incentives and net metering policies.
A regional installer headquartered in New Jersey, Green Power Energy has built a strong reputation for customer service and high-quality installations in the state. They are a full-service provider focusing on custom system design and use premium equipment. They have a physical office relatively close to Cranford, ensuring local service and support.
** The home solar market in Cranford, New Jersey, is mature and competitive, characterized by a high level of consumer awareness and strong state-level incentives. As part of the PJM Interconnection grid, the region offers favorable net metering policies, allowing homeowners to receive credit for excess energy produced. The state's Successor Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC-II) program provides a significant financial incentive, making solar installations economically attractive. The average quality of providers is high, with numerous established national and regional companies vying for business. Typical pricing for a residential system in Cranford is competitive with the national average, generally ranging from **$15,000 to $30,000** before the 30% federal tax credit, depending on system size (typically 5kW to 10kW), equipment quality, and roof complexity. Homeowners have a wide array of financing options, including cash purchases, solar loans, and leases/PPAs, with the latter being particularly popular due to the $0-down offers from companies like Sunrun.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Cranford regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Cranford, New Jersey.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Cranford, the gross cost before incentives is usually between $20,000 and $30,000. Crucially, you can combine the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) with New Jersey's strong state incentives, including the Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC) program, which provides ongoing payments for the energy you produce. Additionally, Cranford homeowners benefit from the state's 0% sales tax on solar equipment and installation, lowering the final net cost significantly.
New Jersey's climate, with its four distinct seasons, is excellent for solar. Cranford receives ample sunlight annually, with peak production in the sunny summer months. While winter snow can temporarily reduce output, modern panels are efficient at low angles and can shed snow relatively quickly; the colder temperatures actually improve panel voltage efficiency. The key is that systems are sized to produce more than you need in summer to offset lower winter production, ensuring annual savings.
Installing solar in Cranford requires a building permit and an electrical permit from the Cranford Construction Office. Your chosen installer will typically manage this process. Importantly, if your home is in one of Cranford's historic districts or is a designated historic property, you will need additional approval from the Cranford Historic Preservation Advisory Committee, which may influence panel placement and visibility.
Prioritize New Jersey-licensed, insured, and NABCEP-certified installers with strong local experience. Ask for references from recent installations in Union County and verify their standing with the NJ Board of Public Utilities. A reputable provider will conduct a detailed site assessment specific to Cranford's roof styles and shading patterns, provide a clear production estimate, and transparently explain state-specific incentives like the SREC program.
New Jersey has a statewide net metering policy. As a PSE&G customer, your solar system will be connected to the grid, and your meter will track the energy you send to the grid versus what you draw. You receive a credit on your bill for excess generation, which rolls over month-to-month. This is especially valuable in Cranford, as surplus summer production credits can offset higher winter usage, leading to dramatically reduced or even $0 balance bills for much of the year.