Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Howell, New Jersey. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Trinity Solar is one of the largest and most established residential solar providers in the Northeast. They are a family-owned company known for a strong focus on customer service and a comprehensive, in-house process from design to installation. They have extensive experience with New Jersey's specific solar incentives and net metering policies.
Sunrun is a national leader in residential solar with a significant footprint in New Jersey. They are best known for their flexible solar financing options, including power purchase agreements (PPAs) and leases, which allow homeowners to go solar with little or no upfront cost. They also offer the Brightbox solar battery storage system.
A highly-rated, local solar installer based very close to Howell. They have built an exceptional reputation for personalized service, high-quality craftsmanship, and expertise in both residential and commercial systems. Their local focus allows for deep knowledge of Howell township's specific permitting and interconnection processes.
** The home solar market in Howell, New Jersey, is **mature and highly competitive**, benefiting from the state's strong pro-solar policies. Howell residents have access to a mix of large national players (like Sunrun) and reputable regional/local installers (like Trinity Solar and Ray Solar Energy). The quality of providers is generally high, driven by New Jersey's robust certification and licensing requirements for solar installers (NABCEP certification is a common marker of quality). **Competition** is fierce, which is advantageous for consumers, leading to competitive pricing and a focus on customer service. The market is dominated by **grid-tied systems** due to NJ's favorable net metering rules, but interest in **battery storage** is growing rapidly for backup power. **Typical pricing** for a residential system in Howell before incentives ranges from **$15,000 to $35,000**, heavily dependent on system size (typically 5kW to 12kW). However, the effective cost is significantly lower after applying the 30% federal investment tax credit (ITC) and New Jersey's state-specific incentives, such as the SUCCESSOR Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC) program, which provides ongoing payments for solar energy production. Most top-tier providers offer multiple financing options, including cash purchases, loans, and leases, making solar accessible across various financial situations.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Howell regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Howell, New Jersey.
For a typical 8-10 kW system in Howell, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $25,000 to $35,000. Crucially, you can reduce this by 30% with the federal solar tax credit (ITC). Additionally, New Jersey's strong Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC) program allows you to earn ongoing income for the clean energy your system produces, significantly improving the financial return and often leading to a payback period of 5-8 years.
Howell's four-season climate is excellent for solar. While summer offers the most peak sun hours for maximum production, modern panels are efficient even on cloudy days and in cold weather. Snow can temporarily reduce output, but panels are installed at an angle to encourage snow shedding, and their dark surfaces often melt snow faster than your roof. The annual average of over 200 sunny days provides strong, consistent energy generation.
Installing solar in Howell requires a building permit from the Howell Township Building Department. Your chosen installer will typically manage this entire process, which includes submitting plans for structural and electrical review to ensure compliance with the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code (UCC). The process is generally straightforward for standard roof-mounted systems, and your installer will also handle the interconnection agreement with Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L).
Prioritize local, established installers with extensive experience navigating Howell's specific permitting and JCP&L's interconnection process. Check for New Jersey-licensed electrical contractors (LEC) and Master HIC licenses, read verified local reviews, and compare multiple detailed quotes. A reputable provider will perform a thorough, in-person site assessment of your roof's condition, orientation, and shading—critical factors in our region—before providing a final proposal.
Standard grid-tied systems shut off during an outage for safety, unless paired with a battery storage solution. Regarding net metering, New Jersey has a robust, state-mandated program. Your system will send excess power to JCP&L's grid, earning you a credit on your bill at the full retail rate. You can then draw power from the grid at night or on cloudy days, using those credits to offset costs, effectively using the grid as a "battery" with an annual settlement period.