Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in West Orange, 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 family-owned company, they have a strong reputation for customer service and offer a comprehensive suite of services from initial consultation and system design to installation, maintenance, and financing. They are known for their in-house installation teams and strong manufacturer partnerships.
Sunrun is a national leader in residential solar with a significant presence in New Jersey. They are particularly well-known for their flexible solar financing and leasing options (like their popular Power Purchase Agreement), making solar accessible with little to no upfront cost. They provide comprehensive services, including energy efficiency assessments and robust battery storage solutions with the Brightbox battery.
Green Power Energy is a highly-rated, regional installer known for its personalized service and expertise in the New Jersey and New York market. They focus heavily on custom system design and use high-quality equipment. Their high customer satisfaction ratings and local expertise make them a top contender for homeowners seeking a more tailored approach.
The home solar market in West Orange, New Jersey, is robust and highly competitive. The state's strong solar renewable energy certificate (SREC) program, combined with the 30% federal investment tax credit (ITC), creates a favorable financial environment for homeowners. The market is characterized by a mix of large national players (like Sunrun) and strong regional installers (like Trinity Solar and Green Power Energy), all vying for business. The average quality of service is high, as companies must maintain excellent reputations and proper state licensing (as required by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities) to compete effectively. Typical pricing for a residential system in New Jersey ranges from **$15,000 to $30,000+** before incentives, heavily dependent on system size, panel quality, and the inclusion of battery storage. Given this competitive landscape, West Orange residents benefit from having multiple excellent, reputable options to choose from, allowing them to compare quotes and find the best fit for their energy needs and budget.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with West Orange regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in West Orange, New Jersey.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in West Orange, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, you can significantly reduce this through the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), and New Jersey's strong Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC) program, which pays you for the clean energy your system produces. Additionally, New Jersey has a 0% sales tax on solar equipment, and PSE&G offers specific interconnection programs for its service area, which includes West Orange.
New Jersey receives ample sunlight for effective solar production, with annual averages comparable to Germany, a global solar leader. West Orange experiences four distinct seasons; summer offers peak production, while shorter winter days yield less. Importantly, modern panels are efficient in diffuse light, and cooler temperatures actually improve panel performance, meaning you'll generate significant power on clear, cold days. Snow typically melts quickly off angled panels, minimizing downtime.
Yes, all solar installations in West Orange require a building permit from the Township's Building Department. The process involves submitting system plans and specifications for review to ensure compliance with the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code and local zoning ordinances, which may cover setbacks and roof coverage percentages. A reputable local installer will manage this entire permitting process for you, which is a key reason to choose an experienced, New Jersey-licensed contractor familiar with Essex County municipalities.
Prioritize providers with a strong local track record, proper New Jersey Home Improvement Contractor licensing, and certifications from manufacturers like SunPower or Tesla. Ask for references from recent installations in Essex County and verify they handle all local permitting, PSE&G interconnection, and SREC registration. Be wary of companies offering prices that seem too good to be true, and always compare multiple detailed proposals that include equipment specs, production estimates, and warranty terms.
PSE&G offers full retail net metering, crediting you at the full retail rate for any excess energy your system sends back to the grid. This credit rolls over month-to-month, helping offset energy use at night and during less sunny periods. Importantly, standard grid-tied systems will shut off during a power outage for safety reasons, unless you invest in a added battery storage solution (like a Tesla Powerwall), which can provide backup power to critical circuits in your West Orange home.