Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Princeton, New Jersey. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading regional installer with a strong presence in New Jersey and New York. They are known for high-quality installations, excellent customer service, and in-house expertise, handling everything from design to installation and maintenance. They are well-versed in New Jersey's specific incentives.
One of the largest privately-held solar companies in the United States, headquartered in New Jersey. They have immense experience with the local grid, permitting processes, and incentive programs. They offer a strong warranty and have a reputation for reliability.
A highly-rated, premium local installer focusing on custom-designed systems and white-glove customer service. They are known for their attention to detail, high-efficiency equipment choices, and expertise in complex roofing situations common in the Princeton area.
The home solar market in Princeton, New Jersey, is mature and highly competitive, featuring a mix of large regional powerhouses and specialized local installers. The high cost of electricity from the local utility (PSE&G) provides a strong financial incentive for homeowners to switch to solar. The market is supported by New Jersey's robust incentive programs, including the Successor Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC-II) program and the state's sales tax exemption, which, when combined with the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), significantly reduces the net cost of a system. The average quality of installers serving Princeton is very high, as the affluent and educated homeowner base demands expertise, quality equipment, and exceptional service. Typical pricing for a residential system is competitive, generally ranging from **$3.00 to $4.00 per watt** before incentives, translating to a gross cost of **$30,000 to $48,000 for a 10kW system**. The final price is highly dependent on system complexity, roof type, and equipment choices. Most homeowners opt for cash purchases or solar loans to maximize long-term savings, though Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and leases are also available from several providers.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Princeton regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Princeton, New Jersey.
The average cost for a residential solar system in Princeton ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives, depending on system size and home energy needs. Crucially, you can significantly reduce this cost through the 30% federal solar tax credit, New Jersey's state sales tax exemption, and the valuable SREC program (Solar Renewable Energy Certificates), which pays you for the clean energy your system produces. These combined incentives can reduce the net cost by 50% or more over time.
Princeton's four-season climate is excellent for solar, with strong summer sun providing peak production. While winter months see shorter days and potential snow cover, modern panels are efficient in cold, clear weather, and snow usually melts quickly off angled panels. Importantly, New Jersey receives ample annual sunlight—more than Germany, a global solar leader—ensuring your system will generate significant power year-round, with net metering crediting your excess summer production for use in darker months.
Installing solar in Princeton requires a permit from the Princeton Municipal Building Department, which ensures compliance with the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code. Your installer will typically manage this process. Additionally, if your home is in a historic district or has an HOA, you may need design approval, though New Jersey's Solar Rights Act limits unreasonable restrictions. Finally, interconnection approval from PSE&G is required to connect your system to the grid and activate net metering.
Look for New Jersey-licensed, insured, and NABCEP-certified installers with strong local experience. Check reviews on platforms like Google and the Better Business Bureau, and ask for references from recent Princeton installations. A reputable provider will offer a detailed on-site assessment, explain local incentives clearly, and provide a transparent contract. It's also wise to get multiple quotes and confirm they handle all local permitting and PSE&G interconnection paperwork.
No, in New Jersey, solar panel installations are exempt from property tax assessments, so they will not increase your property taxes. For net metering with PSE&G, your system's meter will spin backward when you produce more electricity than you use, banking credits on the grid. You then use these credits at night or during less sunny periods. PSE&G's net metering program provides a full retail credit for each kilowatt-hour you send to the grid, making your system highly economical.