Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Hillside, New Jersey. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Trinity Solar is one of the largest privately-held residential solar providers in the United States, headquartered in New Jersey. They are a family-owned company known for their extensive local experience, in-house installation crews, and strong manufacturer partnerships. They offer a comprehensive suite of services from consultation to post-installation maintenance.
Sunrun is a national leader in residential solar, battery storage, and energy services. They are a publicly-traded company known for their flexible financing options, including popular Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and lease programs, which lower the upfront cost for homeowners. They have a significant market presence in New Jersey.
Green Power Energy is a highly-rated regional installer based in New Jersey and New York. They distinguish themselves with a strong focus on customer service, custom system design, and expertise in the specific incentives and regulations of the New Jersey market. They handle the entire process in-house.
** The home solar market in Hillside, New Jersey, is robust and competitive, characterized by high-quality service providers due to the state's strong solar incentives. New Jersey's Transition Renewable Energy Certificate (TREC) program, combined with the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), makes solar an attractive investment for homeowners, fostering a healthy competitive environment. **Average Quality:** The average quality of installers serving Hillside is high. Companies operating in this market must be well-versed in complex state incentive programs and interconnection rules with PSE&G, the local utility. This barrier to entry helps ensure that established, knowledgeable, and properly licensed companies dominate the landscape. **Competition Level:** Competition is strong, primarily between large national players like Sunrun and established regional leaders like Trinity Solar and Green Power Energy. This competition benefits consumers through competitive pricing, improved service offerings (like bundled battery storage), and more flexible financing options. **Typical Pricing:** As of 2024, the average gross cost for a residential solar panel system in New Jersey ranges from **$3.00 to $3.80 per watt** before incentives. For a typical 8 kW system, this translates to a cash price between **$24,000 and $30,400**. After applying the 30% federal tax credit and state-level incentives, the net cost can be significantly lower. The prevalence of solar leases and PPAs also provides options for $0-down installations, where homeowners pay for the power produced rather than the system itself. It is crucial for Hillside residents to obtain multiple quotes to ensure they are receiving a competitive price for their specific energy needs and roof configuration.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Hillside regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Hillside, New Jersey.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Hillside, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, you can reduce this by 30% with the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). New Jersey also offers the Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC) program, which pays you for the clean energy your system produces, providing significant long-term savings on top of slashing your PSE&G electricity bill.
New Jersey receives ample sunlight for effective solar production, averaging about 200 sunny days per year. While winter months see shorter days and potential snow cover, modern panels are efficient in cold, clear weather, and summer production is excellent. Seasonal variations are factored into professional production estimates, and systems are designed to handle local snowfall, which typically melts quickly off angled panels.
Installing solar in Hillside requires a building permit from the Hillside Building Department. Your chosen installer will typically manage this process. They will also handle the interconnection agreement with your utility, PSE&G, which is mandatory to connect your system to the grid. The process is standardized in New Jersey, but a reputable local installer will navigate all local zoning and electrical code requirements for you.
Choose a provider with strong local experience in Union County and proper NJ licensing (Home Improvement Contractor license). Get multiple detailed quotes, check reviews on platforms like Google and the Better Business Bureau, and ensure they offer robust warranties. Major red flags include high-pressure sales tactics, requests for large upfront payments before permits are secured, or lack of physical local presence for service.
A certified installer will conduct a thorough roof inspection first to ensure it's in good condition. Mounting systems use waterproof flashing and seals specifically designed to protect your roof's integrity, often improving the covered areas. For maintenance, panels require minimal care; occasional rinsing with a garden hose to remove pollen or dirt is usually sufficient, and snow generally slides off on its own.