Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Manchester Township, 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. Founded in New Jersey, they have a formidable reputation for quality installation, comprehensive in-house services, and strong manufacturer partnerships. They are known for their seamless process from consultation to installation and their expertise with New Jersey's specific incentive programs.
Green Power Energy is a highly-rated, employee-owned solar installer with a strong focus on New Jersey and the surrounding states. They distinguish themselves with a consultative approach, emphasizing custom system design and education. They have a local office and are very knowledgeable about the Manchester area's utility rules and local permit requirements.
Skylands Energy is a premier, family-owned provider known for exceptional customer service and high-quality craftsmanship. While based further north, they serve the entire state and have numerous excellent reviews from Ocean County. They offer a full suite of solar and home energy services, including maintenance and repair, which is a key differentiator.
** The home solar market in Manchester Township, NJ, is robust and highly competitive, characterized by a high standard of quality due to New Jersey's strong regulatory environment and lucrative incentive programs. The market is a mix of large regional powerhouses (like Trinity Solar) and highly specialized, customer-focused local installers (like Green Power Energy and Skylands Energy). **Average Quality & Competition:** The competition level is high, which benefits the consumer. Companies must maintain excellent reputations and certifications (like NABCEP) to compete. The average quality of installation and service is very good, with most reputable providers offering 25-year performance warranties and partnerships with top-tier equipment manufacturers like SunPower, Qcells, and Enphase. **Typical Pricing:** As of 2024, the average cost for a residential solar panel system in New Jersey before incentives is between **$2.80 and $3.40 per watt**. For a typical 8 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of **$22,400 - $27,200**. However, the net cost is significantly lower after applying the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and New Jersey's state-specific incentives, notably the SUCCESSOR Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC) program, which provides ongoing payments for solar energy production. Most companies offer $0-down financing and leasing options, making solar accessible without a large upfront payment.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Manchester Township regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Manchester Township, New Jersey.
Homeowners in Manchester Township benefit from strong state and federal incentives. The federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) allows you to deduct 30% of your system cost from your federal taxes. Additionally, New Jersey's Successor Solar Incentive (SuSI) program provides Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs), where you earn income for the clean energy your system produces, and the state has a 0% sales tax on solar equipment installations. These combined incentives significantly reduce the net system cost.
Manchester's climate is generally favorable for solar. While winter months have shorter days and potential snow cover (which should be cleared for optimal production), solar panels actually operate more efficiently in cooler temperatures. The summer provides long, sunny days ideal for generation. Importantly, modern panels are highly effective at producing energy even on cloudy days, which are common near the Jersey Shore, ensuring year-round production.
Yes, all solar installations in Manchester Township require a building permit from the Municipal Construction Office. The process typically involves submitting system plans and specifications for review to ensure compliance with the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code and local zoning ordinances, such as setback requirements. Reputable local installers will manage this entire permitting process on your behalf, which is a key service to look for.
Prioritize providers with extensive local experience in Ocean County. Verify they are licensed New Jersey Home Improvement Contractors and certified by major panel manufacturers (like SunPower or Panasonic). Ask for references from recent installations in Manchester or nearby towns, and confirm they handle all local permitting, interconnection with Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), and SREC registration. The NJ Clean Energy Program website also lists approved contractors.
Under New Jersey's net metering rules, JCP&L will credit you at the full retail rate for any excess solar energy you send back to the grid, rolling over credits month-to-month. This greatly offsets your electricity costs. However, standard grid-tied systems will shut off during a power outage for safety reasons unless you install a dedicated solar battery backup system, which is an increasingly popular add-on in our area for storm resilience.