Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Summit, New Jersey. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading regional installer headquartered in New Jersey, known for high-quality custom installations and exceptional customer service. They have a strong focus on the New Jersey market and are experts on state-specific incentives like the Transition Renewable Energy Certificate (TREC) program.
One of the largest privately-held residential solar providers in the United States, founded and based in the Northeast. They have extensive experience with the climate and roofing styles common in New Jersey and offer robust in-house installation and maintenance teams.
A top-rated installer serving New Jersey, Maryland, and Florida. They are known for their comprehensive service offerings, from initial consultation and design to long-term maintenance. They are a SunPower Master Dealer, offering some of the industry's most efficient panels and strong warranties.
The home solar market in Summit, New Jersey, is **mature and highly competitive**. The average quality of installers is high, driven by homeowner demand for premium services and a strong understanding of the financial benefits provided by New Jersey's favorable solar renewable energy credit (SREC) programs. **Competition Level:** High. Summit residents are serviced by a mix of large national players, strong regional specialists, and local electricians who have expanded into solar. This competition benefits the consumer through competitive pricing and a focus on customer service. **Typical Pricing:** As an affluent area with higher labor and operational costs, pricing in Northern New Jersey tends to be above the national average. Homeowners can expect to pay **$3.00 to $4.00 per watt** before applying the 30% federal tax credit. For a typical 8 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of **$24,000 - $32,000**. The strong state incentives and high local electricity rates from providers like JCP&L make the return on investment (ROI) very attractive, with payback periods often between 5-8 years. Financing options like PPAs and loans are extremely popular, with many homeowners opting for $0-down plans.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Summit regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Summit, New Jersey.
For a typical 8kW system in Summit, the gross cost before incentives is usually between $25,000 and $35,000. Crucially, New Jersey homeowners benefit from the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which can reduce the cost by 30%, and the state's exemption from sales tax on solar equipment. Additionally, you earn valuable Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) for the power you generate, providing ongoing income that can significantly shorten your payback period, often to 6-8 years.
Summit experiences all four seasons, with sunny summers and colder, cloudier winters. While winter production is lower, modern panels are efficient in cold, clear weather, and annual production is strong. The primary local consideration is shading from Summit's many mature trees. A professional installer will conduct a detailed shade analysis using tools like a Solar Pathfinder to position panels optimally, and systems now use microinverters or power optimizers to minimize the impact of partial shading on overall output.
Installing solar in Summit requires a building permit and an electrical permit from the City's Building Division. The process involves submitting your engineered plans for review to ensure compliance with the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code and local ordinances. Your chosen installer should manage this entire process. Additionally, your system must pass inspection by the Summit Building Department and by your utility provider (PSE&G or JCP&L) before you can connect to the grid and begin net metering.
Prioritize New Jersey-based, licensed contractors with strong local experience. Verify their license with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs and check for certifications from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Ask for multiple references from recent installations in Summit or nearby Union County towns to see their work firsthand. Be wary of out-of-state companies or high-pressure sales tactics, and always compare detailed proposals that include equipment specs, production estimates, and a clear breakdown of all costs.
Standard grid-tied systems automatically shut off during an outage for safety. To have backup power, you must pair your panels with a dedicated battery storage system, like a Tesla Powerwall. Regarding snow, panels are installed at an angle, and dark surfaces shed snow relatively quickly. Light can still penetrate a thin layer, and production on cold, bright days after a snowstorm can be excellent. It is generally not recommended to manually clear snow due to safety and risk of damaging the panels.