Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Paterson, 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. As a locally headquartered company in the region, they have deep expertise in New Jersey's incentive programs, including the Transition Renewable Energy Certificate (TREC) program. They are known for a turnkey process that handles everything from design and permitting to installation and maintenance.
Sunrun is a national leader in residential solar with a strong operational footprint in New Jersey. They are particularly well-known for their flexible solar financing and leasing options, including Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), which allow homeowners to go solar with little or no upfront cost. They utilize a network of local installation crews.
A highly-rated, regional installer based in New Jersey, Green Power Energy is praised for its customer service and high-quality installations. They offer custom system design and are experts in navigating New Jersey-specific solar incentives. They provide robust warranties and partner with top-tier equipment manufacturers.
** The home solar market in Paterson, New Jersey, is **highly competitive and mature**, benefiting from the state's strong pro-solar policies. The average quality of installers serving the area is high, as companies must be certified and knowledgeable about complex state-level incentives like the Successor Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC-II) program and the state's sales tax exemption. **Competition Level:** High. Paterson residents are actively targeted by both large national companies (like Sunrun) and well-established regional leaders (like Trinity Solar and Green Power Energy). This competition can benefit consumers through competitive pricing and more robust service offerings. **Typical Pricing:** As a general estimate, the gross cost for a typical residential solar panel system in New Jersey ranges from **$15,000 to $25,000 before incentives**. However, the net cost is significantly lower after applying the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and state-level incentives. The prevalence of $0-down loan, lease, and PPA options makes solar accessible without a large upfront payment, though purchasing the system outright typically offers the highest long-term savings.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Paterson regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Paterson, New Jersey.
For a typical Paterson home, a solar panel system costs between $15,000 and $25,000 before incentives. Crucially, New Jersey offers strong financial benefits, including the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), exemption from the 6.625% state sales tax on solar equipment, and exemption from property tax increases due to the added home value. Most importantly, you can earn Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) for the power you generate, providing significant ongoing income that can drastically shorten your payback period.
Paterson's four-season climate is excellent for solar. While production peaks in sunny summer months, modern panels are efficient and still generate significant power on cloudy days and in winter. Snow can temporarily reduce output, but panels are installed at an angle to encourage snow shedding, and their dark surfaces help melt it quickly. The annual average of over 200 sunny days provides more than enough sunlight to make solar a highly effective investment.
Installing solar in Paterson requires a permit from the City of Paterson's Division of Buildings. Your chosen installer will typically handle this process, which includes submitting structural and electrical plans for review. Additionally, your system must pass inspection by the city's building department and by your utility provider, PSE&G, before you can connect to the grid and begin net metering.
Look for New Jersey-licensed, insured, and bonded contractors with strong local experience in Paterson's specific building styles and permitting process. Check reviews on trusted sites and ask for references from recent local installations. Ensure they are certified by major manufacturers (like SunPower or Panasonic) and confirm they will handle all local permits, interconnection with PSE&G, and SREC registration for you.
A reputable installer will first assess your roof's condition, angle, and shading from trees or other structures. South-facing roofs are ideal, but east/west setups are also highly effective in New Jersey. If your roof is older or needs repairs, it's often best to address that before installation. Maintenance is minimal—occasional cleaning from rain is usually sufficient, though you may want to clear heavy snow or seasonal pollen for optimal performance.