Best Solar Companies in New Jersey

We compared 152 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Sunrun
      4.2(3,519)
    • Freedom Forever
      4.1(334)
    • CleanChoice Energy
      3.3(61)
    +2 more
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    Edited by: Justin Martino
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    Fact-checked by: Jon Bortin

    Best Solar Companies in New Jersey

    Based on local customer satisfaction ratings, Sunrun is the best solar company in New Jersey. We like that Freedom Forever has flexible financing options, and CleanChoice Energy stands out for offering a unique way to embrace renewable energy without actually installing solar panels.

    Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
    • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
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    Our 3 picks for the best solar companies in New Jersey

    1. Best overall: Sunrun
    2. Best for financing options: Freedom Forever
    3. Best for simple process: CleanChoice Energy

    The ConsumerAffairs Research Team compared popular solar companies on ratings and reviews, warranties, availability and other factors to select the top picks for this guide. 

    Some of our picks are Authorized Partners that compensate us, but this does not influence our evaluations. Read the full methodology for all the details on how we make solar company recommendations.

    Compare top-rated solar energy companies in New Jersey

    Our New Jersey solar company picks

    High electricity costs in New Jersey make switching to solar energy a smart choice for many residents. This guide highlights the state’s top-rated solar companies based on factors such as customer satisfaction, installation quality, payment options warranties and long-term value.

    Our top pick overall

    Sunrun

    Sunrun
    Max. panel efficiency
    22%
    Panel warranty
    Varies
    Payment options
    Cash, loan, lease
    Year founded
    2007

    Sunrun consistently gets positive feedback on helpful reps and long-term energy savings. We really like that its solar lease program lets you go solar without a huge upfront investment. There’s no initial charge for any solar equipment, installation or permit.

    • “Very happy with Sunrun. We have not had to make a payment to the electric company in over a year other than the connection fee and lately have not had to even pay that due to the credit balance we have with them. Our only payments for electric has been to Sunrun which is much lower than the payments we had with the electric company before we had solar.” — Paul in Hammonton
    • “The install crew of Sunrun was fantastic. I watched them like a hawk and I was very satisfied with everybody. They were polite, quick and clean. My experience with Sunrun has been good. I haven't had any failures or problems.” — Thomas in Franklin
    • “Salesperson was very helpful, answered all questions that I asked and was prompt when I contacted by phone and by text message. Was on time for all appointments and meetings and very helpful with the roof replacement. Salesperson was very knowledgeable about their product and gave me a hard copy of contract when I asked for it.” — Paul in Saddle Brook

    Be sure to review your contract terms carefully. Many customers are delighted with Sunrun, but there are also negative reviews describing issues with the installation, poor communication and unmet expectations on the system’s performance.

    Sunrun is a leading full-service installer with great battery storage options. Its Brightbox battery storage system works with both Tesla Powerwall and LG Chem lithium-ion batteries.

    Sunrun services

    • Financing solutions
    • Battery storage solutions
    • Monitoring and maintenance
    • EV charging solutions

    Sunrun’s standard warranty covers workmanship and equipment for 10 years. The 95% performance guarantee lasts 25 years. Leased systems typically come with free maintenance and repairs.

    • Cash: You can pay for the system in full upfront.
    • Loan: Qualified customers can find reasonable rates with minimal upfront costs.
    • Lease: Sunrun owns the system, and you pay a fixed monthly fee to use it. Sunrun also stands out by offering roof leak warranties.
    Pros
    • Reliable system performance
    • Flexible payment options
    • Daily system monitoring
    • Roof leak warranty
    Cons
    • Occasional installation delays
    • Some customer service complaints
    • Billing issues reported by some customers
    1x Award Winner
    Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service
    Our pick for financing options

    Freedom Forever

    Freedom Forever
    Max. panel efficiency
    Varies
    Panel warranty
    25 years
    Payment options
    Cash, loan, lease
    Year founded
    2011
    Pros
    • Affordable payment plans
    • Helpful online portal and mobile app
    • Strong production guarantee
    • Responsive customer service
    Cons
    • Vague equipment descriptions
    • Some communication issues

    Freedom Forever advertises competitive rates and lower credit barriers than many other solar companies. Its zero-down options and leasing plans make solar more accessible to the average homeowner.

    The company also earns high marks from many customers for its efficient installations, knowledgeable support staff and quality solar systems.

    What to consider: Positive reviews consistently mention Freedom Forever’s customer service. However, some unhappy customers have reported feeling misled by sales representatives, particularly regarding billing expectations and timelines.

    “The assistance was very helpful, I had the best experience got very quickly all information I needed was very fast and convenient, with accuracy and professionalism.”
    Carolina Clifton, NJ
    • Services: Freedom Forever designs and installs custom solar systems, offers battery storage options and provides financing plans to make solar more accessible.
    • Equipment: Freedom Forever installs panels from select manufacturers and offers Tesla Powerwall batteries.
    • Warranties: The 25-year production guarantee promises that your system will produce the energy listed in your contract. The standard warranty fixes or replaces parts if something breaks.
    Our pick for simple process

    CleanChoice Energy

    CleanChoice Energy
    Max. panel efficiency
    Varies
    Panel warranty
    N/A
    Payment options
    Varies
    Year founded
    2012
    Pros
    • 100% renewable energy, often sourced from regional providers
    • Flexible payment plans
    • No termination fees
    • Referral bonuses
    Cons
    • Services availability varies by location
    • Prices fluctuate with market conditions

    CleanChoice Energy offers one of the simplest ways for New Jersey residents to support clean energy without installing solar panels. Instead of being a solar installer, CleanChoice acts as an alternative energy supplier.

    The company purchases renewable energy on your behalf through grid power and renewable energy certificates (RECs). This makes it an appealing option for renters or homeowners who can’t install solar panels.

    What to consider: CleanChoice generally sources the cheapest clean energy available in your area. While this keeps rates competitive, prices can still change. Some negative reviews mention promotional rates ending sooner than expected, but many customers report a positive experience.

    • How it works: Instead of getting electricity from your default utility, CleanChoice provides renewable energy sourced from wind and solar. Your local utility still manages the poles, wires and infrastructure that deliver power to your home.
    • Payment structure: Customers can choose monthly, quarterly or annual memberships. Prices may vary with market conditions. There are no cancellation or early termination fees for residential customers, so you can stop service at any time without penalty.

    Solar Companies in New Jersey Buyers Guide

    Jump into our guides and start learning

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

    Sunrun logo
    Freedom Forever logo
    CleanChoice Energy logo
    See our top picks

    Simplify your search

    Switch to solar with a system built for you.

      ConsumerAffairs has talked to hundreds of New Jersey homeowners who made the switch to solar. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade a system, this guide is your compass to a successful solar journey.

      Key insights

      In New Jersey, a typical residential solar panel system costs $9,167 to $26,193, depending on the size of your system and what financial incentives you qualify for.

      Jump to insight

      New Jersey has several statewide solar incentives, including a solar energy sales tax exemption and a property tax exemption for renewable energy systems.

      Jump to insight

      Based on our research, the best solar energy companies share a few traits: strong customer reviews, high-quality equipment and reliable warranties.

      Jump to insight

      How to choose a solar company in New Jersey

      As demand for solar power has surged in New Jersey, the prevalence of scams and deceptive practices has also grown.

      Beware of door-to-door salespeople pressuring you into signing contracts. Some solar reps might use pushy sales tactics, and you could end up with monthly bills higher than expected.

      Solar panels are a long-term investment — most systems last 25 years or more. That means choosing the right installer is just as important as choosing the right equipment. Here are the key steps to finding the right fit.

      1. Read reviews

      Look at reviews on platforms like ConsumerAffairs, Better Business Bureau and solar-specific forums to see real customer experiences. Watch out for these red flags:

      • Equipment failures that aren’t resolved quickly
      • Misleading sales tactics about costs or savings
      • Billing and contract issues

      Local experience matters too. New Jersey’s Board of Public Utilities provides a list of solar installers and vendors. You can find information on solar panel contractors through the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association.

      2. Check credentials

      Solar installers in New Jersey are required to have an electrical license, according to the New Jersey Clean Energy Program. Confirm that your installer also has:

      • Insurance coverage to protect your home during installation
      • NABCEP certification (the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners is a respected national credential for solar installers)

      3. Compare quotes

      Get at least three solar quotes to compare prices, equipment, warranties and services. Be cautious of unusually low bids. This can signal poor-quality panels, hidden fees or weak warranty coverage.

      Also, ask whether they offer extras you might want, like battery storage, an EV charger or critter guards to protect your panels.

      4. Read the fine print

      The contract should be easy to understand. If anything about payment schedules, warranties, monitoring services or system maintenance doesn’t make sense — ask for clarification.

      Before signing any paperwork, make sure you double-check the warranty. The New Jersey Clean Energy Program (NJCEP) requires solar contractors to provide at least a 5-year warranty on installation/workmanship.

      Read our Newark and Trenton solar guides for city-specific recommendations.

      How much does it cost to go solar in New Jersey?

      Solar panel costs in New Jersey typically range between $9,167 and $26,193.

      The size of your solar panel system is a big factor in your total cost. It also depends on what incentives you’re eligible for, the condition of your roof and how much sunlight exposure it gets. Adding solar battery storage costs an extra $7,000 to $18,000. 

      On the high end, Vina in Keansburg purchased a system worth $55,000, and James in Burlington spent $75,000 going solar. 

      Average solar installation cost by system size in New Jersey

      What solar incentives are available in New Jersey?

      With the 30% federal solar investment tax credit set to expire at the end of 2025, you should take advantage of as many local incentives as possible.

      Residents may take advantage of a few statewide solar incentives in New Jersey, including property and sales tax exemptions, the Successor Solar Incentives (SuSI) program and an incentive for installing solar panels on new residential construction.

      Are solar panels worth it in New Jersey?

      The short answer: Yes, many New Jersey homeowners say solar is worth it for reducing energy bills. Over 25 years, solar panels can save a typical New Jersey homeowner $64,962 in avoided utility costs.

      “Going solar was one of the best decisions I've made recently,” Michael in Newton, New Jersey, told us. He expects more people to make the same decision because of high electricity prices.

      Homeowners with solar panels typically save $20,000 to $90,000 over 25 years.

      But it doesn’t work out for everybody. As demand for solar power has surged in New Jersey, the prevalence of scams and deceptive practices has also grown.

      We’ve also heard about problems with leaks and roof damage.

      As a rule of thumb, if your roof is more than 10 years old, consider fixing it before going solar. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels. This is a frustrating and expensive project.

      Bottom line

      As long as your house is a good candidate for solar, it’s at least worth considering.

      For most New Jersey homeowners with suitable roofs and moderate to high electricity usage, solar panels offer strong financial returns and environmental benefits.

      The key is doing your homework: get multiple quotes, understand your energy usage patterns and factor in your roof's condition before making the investment.

      » STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

      FAQ

      How can I pay for solar panel installation?

      Getting solar panels is like buying a car. You could pay cash, but many homeowners choose to finance instead. A solar loan works like most other types of loans. There is an application process, and then you pay it back over time with interest.

      Leasing solar equipment is an attractive option for people who don’t want to get a loan or be responsible for maintaining a system. 

      New Jersey also has legalized power purchase agreements, which work very similarly to leases. The biggest downside to both is that it might make your house harder to sell since a new buyer must take over the contract.

      The real difference between leases and PPAs is how you pay:

      • Lease: Entering a solar lease is basically renting a solar panel system. As with leasing a car, you pay a fixed amount every month over a set period of time, typically 25 years.
      • Power purchase agreement: With a PPA, you don't pay a fixed “rent.” You pay for the electricity the panels produce, usually at a lower rate than you would receive without a PPA.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

      Can I get free solar panels in New Jersey?

      No, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) doesn’t offer a free solar panel installation program, according to the New Jersey Clean Energy Program

      Look out for scams that promise free solar panels — they can cost you quite a bit of money. Scammers sometimes pretend to be associated with the government or a local utility. 

      » FREE SOLAR PANELS: Are they really free?

      How do I know if my house is a good candidate for solar?

      Plenty of unshaded roof space that faces south or west is best for optimal sun exposure.

      New Jersey averages 3.5 to 4 peak sun hours each day. However, if you have a lot of shading around your house, your panels might not get enough sun to power your home.

      Use NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house. Project Sunroof is a free solar savings estimator powered by Google Earth imagery. 

      Is my HOA allowed to stop me from getting solar panels?

      No. Homeowners associations (and similar organizations) “shall not adopt or enforce a restriction, covenant, bylaw, rule or regulation prohibiting the installation of solar collectors on certain roofs of dwelling units,” according to New Jersey Statute 45:22A-48.2. However, an association can regulate certain aspects of the installation and maintenance of your solar panels.

      Methodology: How we chose the best solar companies in New Jersey

      We started with a list of popular solar companies and narrowed it down to those serving New Jersey. We then ranked them based on the factors that matter most to homeowners:

      Local customer satisfaction (65%)
      We analyzed reviews from verified customers in New Jersey. Companies with the most recent positive ratings were scored higher.

      Price satisfaction (7%)
      We evaluated customer feedback on overall cost and value.

      Installation satisfaction (7%) We looked at reviews of the installation process, including professionalism, timeliness and overall quality of the work.

      Customer service satisfaction (7%)
      We evaluated feedback on how responsive and helpful each company is before, during and after installation.

      Payment options (7%)
      We considered companies that make paying for solar easier by offering multiple financing and payment options.

      Warranties and guarantees (7%)
      A long warranty shows confidence in a company’s work. We compared both equipment and workmanship warranties. Our top picks provide 10 to 25 years of coverage.

      Not sure how to choose?

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        Guide sources

        ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this guide include:

        1. New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program, “Considering Solar? Understand Your Options.” Accessed Sept. 18, 2025.
        2. New Jersey Legislature, “45:22A-48.2 Solar collectors on certain roofs, homeowners association authority limited.” Accessed Sept. 18, 2025.
        3. DSIRE, "New Jersey Programs.” Accessed Sept. 18, 2025.
        4. Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), “Solar Licensing Database.” Sept. 18, 2025.
        5. U.S. Department of Energy, “Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar.” Accessed Sept. 18, 2025.

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