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Best Solar Companies in Newark, NJ

We compared 26 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Top overall
      Sunrun
      4.3(2,958)
    • No installation required
      Verde Energy
      4.5(156)
    • Customer service
      ION Solar
      4.4(113)

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      Best Solar Companies in Newark, NJ

      Our top solar company picks for Newark

      1. Top overall: Sunrun
      2. No installation required: Verde Energy
      3. Good customer service: ION Solar

      To choose the top picks for this guide, we compared popular solar companies on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranty terms and other factors. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us — this does not affect our evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear. Read the full methodology for all the details on how we make solar company recommendations.

      Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
      • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
      • 4,536,144 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
      • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
      • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
      • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

      Compare our top 3 solar companies in Newark

      Find a Solar Energy partner near you.

      The best solar companies in Newark

      Sunrun and ION Solar both specialize in what you might think of as traditional solar panel installations. Verde Energy is a renewable energy supplier with a unique deal that doesn’t actually require you to put panels on your house.

      Our top pick overall

      Sunrun

      4.3
      2,958 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      22%
      Panel warranty
      10-25 years
      Payment options
      Cash, loan, lease
      Year founded
      2007

      We’ve talked to more than 2,000 Sunrun customers from across the country. Over a recent two-year period, 77% were satisfied with their installations and 73% were satisfied with the technology. Many tell us about significant savings on electric bills and would highly recommend the company to others.

      • “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
      • “Everything with Sunrun went great. I didn't have a normal roof and I had roof windows. There were a couple of other issues. But everything got taken care of. My electric bill last month was $4.95 and that’s the electric company’s charge.” — Michael in Jersey City

      Make sure you read the fine print carefully. Several customers have said they are not satisfied with the contract and terms.

      Sunrun specializes in residential solar systems with battery storage. Installers use monocrystalline panels from reputable manufacturers like LG.

      • Services: Sunrun designs and installs customized solar panel systems for homes and businesses. Technicians provide ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ensure optimal performance.
      • Warranty information: Sunrun provides a 10-year warranty on workmanship and equipment, roof leak protection and a 25-year performance guarantee.
      • Payment options: You can pay for your system upfront or take out a loan, but Sunrun leasing plans really set it apart. With leases, there’s no initial charge for panels, equipment, installation or permits. Sunrun owns the system, and you pay a fixed monthly fee to use it. Contracts typically last 25 years and include free repairs.

      Pros

      • Reliable systems
      • Flexible payment options
      • Comprehensive warranties
      • Daily system monitoring
      • Great leasing program

      Cons

      • Occasional installation delays
      • Some billing issues
      Our pick for no installation required

      Verde Energy

      4.5
      156 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Panel warranty
      N/A
      Payment options
      Monthly rates
      Year founded
      2009

      Verde Energy offers a simple way for residents to support renewable energy. Switching to Verde Energy requires no changes to your home or electrical setup — the transition to renewable energy happens seamlessly behind the scenes.

      • ”We got a very cheap energy deal with Verde Energy. Since we used them, our energy bill has been reduced between 70% and 80%. Every time that I called because I have questions when I would be renewing the contract, their reps were very professional. They were very available to answer any questions and give any information that we needed.” — Steffy in Secaucus
      • “Verde is very cheap. Somebody walked in my door and showed the services, and he explained to me about how much they charge and what it costs. I'm supposed to get a rebate after four months of uses, but I haven't seen it yet. Other than that, my experience is pretty good in terms of getting the service done and the charges.” —  Adish in East Brunswick

      While renewable energy plans might be slightly more expensive, fixed rates offer price stability. Compare Verde Energy's rates to your current utility provider.

      Verde Energy is a renewable energy supplier in New Jersey and a few other states. There is no cost to switch, and prices are locked in for up to 24 months.

      • Services: Verde Energy ensures that your electricity is matched with renewable energy certificates (RECs) from wind and solar farms. For every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity you consume, an equivalent amount of clean energy is fed into the grid on your behalf.
      • Payment options: Your local utility company remains responsible for delivering electricity to your home. There is no cost to switch, and prices are locked in for up to 24 months.

      Pros

      • No changes to your home or lifestyle
      • No long-term contracts
      • No cancellation fees
      • 100% clean energy

      Cons

      • Rates may increase
      • Supply fluctuations
      Our pick for customer service

      ION Solar

      4.4
      113 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      21.9%
      Panel warranty
      30 years
      Payment options
      Cash, loan
      Year founded
      2013

      ION Solar stands out for its strong customer service and knowledgeable installers. The company offers various solar panel and system options to meet different needs and budgets. We suggest getting a personalized quote to determine if ION Solar is the best fit for you.

      • “He went through everything and answered any questions I had. He was very knowledgeable. The guys that came out for the installation were chill. They didn't mess up my roof. So, that was good. The first time, I got 12 panels. But I still used power from the grid. And because I put in a lot of fish tanks and other stuff, it used more power. So, I got 18 more.” — Colt in Jersey City

      Reviewers in other states sometimes mention communication issues or installation delays. We also think ION Solar could be a little more transparent about its financing options and additional services provided.

      ION Solar’s NABCEP-certified installers use Silfab solar panels and Enphase microinverters. Most projects are completed in 60 to 90 days.

      • Services: Reps coordinate the system design and installations, as well as roofing services if needed. Energy production monitoring and ongoing system maintenance are available after the installation is complete.
      • Warranty information: All work performed on your home during the installation is covered for 10 years. Panels are guaranteed to produce at least 85% capacity for 30 years. Enphase microinverters come with a 25-year warranty.
      • Payment options: You can purchase the system outright or finance it through a solar loan. Rates and terms vary.

      Pros

      • No upfront payment required
      • 24/7 monitoring
      • Good customer service
      • Solid warranty

      Cons

      • Some communication issues
      • Occasional installation delays

      How we chose the best solar companies in Newark

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team took a data-driven approach, informed by expert editors, to choose the best solar companies in Newark based on the following key features and respective weightings:

      • Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%
      • Warranty terms: 20%
      • Equipment selection: 20%
      • Financing and payment options: 20%

      » MORE: Full methodology

      Newark solar panel buyers guide

      Here’s what Newark residents should look out for when choosing a solar panel installation company. We’ll also touch on overall costs and ways to save with local and federal incentives.

      Key insights

      A typical residential solar installation costs $9,751 to $27,861 in Newark.

      Jump to insight

      Federal and local financial incentives can make solar more affordable for residents. You can also lease a system with little upfront costs.

      Jump to insight

      One of the most common solar scams involves fake solar companies selling systems without any intention of really installing them.

      Jump to insight

      Solar panel costs in Newark

      A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $9,450 to $27,000 in New Jersey. Prices in Newark are comparable, ranging from $9,751 to $27,861 on average.

      Installers usually price systems according to their wattage. Nationally, costs per watt range from $2.50 to $5. In Newark, the average cost per watt is $2.79. The average New Jersey household needs a system with a capacity of 9.49 kW to fully offset their electricity costs. Depending on your household energy use, you might need a smaller or larger one.

      Average total solar installation costs by system size in Newark

      Is solar worth it in Newark?

      We’ve talked to hundreds of residents who have already gone through the solar panel installation process. Csaba in Belleville went solar for two reasons: to save money and increase their electric capacity. For others, like Mercedes in Elizabeth, it’s more about the environmental benefits.

      Solar panels are generally worth it in New Jersey if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. The main drawback is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing the panels and equipment.

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

      Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 4 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost). On average, New Jersey homeowners with solar panels can avoid $76,285 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      With electricity costs continuing to rise, many find it’s financially worth it in the long run. Use NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house — just type in your address. Project Sunroof is another free solar savings estimator. As long as your house is a good candidate for solar, it’s at least worth considering.

      » STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

      Potential roof problems

      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 an expensive and frustrating process.

      » SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

      How to find a reputable solar company in Newark

      In our experience, the best solar companies in New Jersey have a few things in common: lots of experience, reliable equipment and transparent contracts. Here are some hiring tips.

      • Avoid scammers: A common solar scam involves falsely claiming to be affiliated with state agencies. New Jersey/New Jersey Board of Public Utilities doesn’t offer a free solar panel installation program, according to New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program.
      • Check certifications: The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities keeps a list of qualified solar vendors. We also recommend choosing an installer certified through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
      • Read reviews: Look out for red flags — complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures, billing issues and lack of communication are common themes in negative solar company reviews.
      • Ask questions: Do you need a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or critter guards? How does this affect overall pricing? What if your system needs maintenance? If you don’t understand something about the payment terms, warranty or ongoing services, ask for clarification.

      » TIPS: Get the best solar quotes

      How can I pay for solar panels? 

      Getting solar panels is like buying a car. Most people pay cash, finance or lease. Similar to leasing, a power purchase agreement (PPA) lets you get the benefits of solar without actually owning the equipment.

      Solar loans work like any other type of loan. They have relatively low fixed interest rates. Once you pay it off, you own your system outright.

      Solar leases are a good option if you have limited savings and don’t want to take on debt; you also aren’t responsible for system maintenance.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Buy vs. lease

      Going solar in Essex County

      New Jersey is one of the nation’s pioneers in solar energy. In 2018, Gov. Phil Murphy’s landmark clean energy bill put the state on the path to achieving one of the highest standards for renewable energy in the country. The governor’s bill will require 50% of the state’s power to come from clean renewables like solar and wind by 2030.

      » BEST STATES FOR SOLAR: New Jersey ranked 12th in 2024

      Solar incentives in Newark

      Brick City residents can take advantage of several solar incentives in New Jersey. There’s a sales tax exemption, which saves 7% on the equipment. Plus, a property tax exemption means you won't pay property taxes on the added value of your solar panels.

      Federal tax credit

      You should also use the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC). It reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of how much it costs to install solar panels.

      The ITC drops to 26% in 2033 and then 22% in 2034.

      The ITC is a credit, meaning it directly decreases the amount of taxes you owe. This is different from a deduction, which lowers your taxable income. For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $15,000 in taxes, the ITC reduces what you owe to $12,000

      Additional solar incentives

      Check DSIRE for the most comprehensive source of information about solar incentives and policies in New Jersey.

      Newark solar FAQ

      Is my house a good candidate for solar?

      Plenty of unshaded roof space that faces south or west is best for optimal sun exposure. If you have a lot of shading around your house, the panels might not get enough sun to power your home. Here are some other questions to ask yourself:

      • What is the size and angle of my roof? Newark (and the rest of the United States) is in the Northern Hemisphere, so solar panels perform best on south-facing roofs. The worst place to install would be on north-facing roofs, especially if those roofs have a high pitch. For example, if the only place you can install is a north-facing roof with a 30-degree pitch, your costs will likely go up by 30% to 40%.
      • How old are my appliances? Getting your electrical loads as small as possible before going solar means you’ll need a smaller system, which will be cheaper overall. If you have older electrical appliances, upgrade those before investing in solar panels.
      • What is the condition of my roof? If you have to replace your roof, do that before you install solar panels. Solar panels are designed to last up to 30 years, so you want your roof to last just as long. Otherwise, it could cost thousands to remove the panels, fix your roof and reinstall the panels again.
      How does net metering work in Newark?

      New Jersey's net metering program serves as a model for other states to incentivize people to invest in renewable energy. In Newark, PSE&G lets you earn credits for any extra electricity that you send to the local power grid. When your system generates more electricity than you use, the utility meter spins backward, giving you credits. If your system doesn’t generate enough electricity, the utility meter spins forward, taking away credits. On sunny days, you sell your extra electricity; on cloudy days, you can buy a little back.

      » GREENEST STATES: New Jersey ranked 20th in 2024

      How does a power purchase agreement work?

      A third party installs and maintains solar panels on your property. You buy the power generated by the panels on a per kilowatt-hour (kWh) basis. It’s typically a fixed price, with a cheaper cents/kWh rate than traditional utilities have for the same amount of electricity.

      What are the different types of solar panels?

      Monocrystalline and polycrystalline are the most common types of solar panels used in residential installations. In general, monocrystalline panels are considered the best bang for your buck. Cheaper solar panels are typically polycrystalline. The key difference is in materials and efficiency: Monocrystalline panels use pure, single silicon crystals, while polycrystalline panels are made from melted silicon fragments, resulting in different efficiency levels.

      Solar panel efficiency is a measure of how well a panel makes electricity. Standard efficiency rates range from 19% to 23%, which means 19% to 23% of the sunlight that hits the panels gets converted into electricity. The more efficient the solar panels you buy are, the fewer panels you need. While more efficient panels cost a little more, you save by buying fewer panels.

      Is it cheaper if I install solar panels myself?

      It’s potentially cheaper to install your solar energy system yourself, but it’s difficult and dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing, especially for a large residential project.

      » DIY SOLAR PANELS: Pros and cons

      Methodology: How we chose the best solar companies in Newark

      Our goal is to highlight companies that are best equipped to meet most Newark residents’ energy needs, considering the humid continental climate. We used a research-backed, data-driven approach to choose the best solar companies. We prefer to recommend those with a longer time in business and a solid track record of reliability in New Jersey. For this guide, we objectively weighted several key features to get our final rankings:

      Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%
      We analyzed solar company reviews by verified solar customers to gauge real-world satisfaction. Companies with generally positive feedback on our site scored highest in this aspect. Those with the most 4- and 5-star reviews by verified Newark customers were given preference.

      Warranties: 20%
      A long warranty is important — it shows that a company stands behind its products and services. We compared companies on both equipment and craftsmanship warranty terms. All of our top picks for professional installation have warranties or production guarantees of at least 10 to 25 years.

      Equipment selection: 20%
      We evaluated each company’s selection of solar panels, storage batteries and inverters. Those with proprietary technology or a wide equipment selection from trusted brands ranked highest.

      Financing and payment options: 20%
      We gave preference to companies that offer multiple payment and financing options for transparent terms and conditions.

      ConsumerAffairs Research Team regularly evaluates customer reviews, company information and industry trends to update our top picks:

      1. Sunrun
      2. Verde Energy
      3. ION Solar

      Not sure how to choose?

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        Guide sources

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

        1. DSIRE, "Arizona Programs." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        2. EnergySage, "“The cost of solar panels in New Jersey." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        3. EnergySage, "“The cost of solar panels in Newark, NJ." Accessed July 22, 2024.
        4. Solar Energy Industries Association, "New Jersey Solar." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        5. SolarReviews, "How much do solar panels cost in New Jersey, 2024." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        6. United States Environmental Protection Agency "Solar for All." Accessed Aug. 13, 2024.
        7. Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC),, "Solar Licensing Database." Accessed Aug. 29, 2024.
        8. New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program, "Considering Solar? Understand Your Options”." Accessed Aug. 9, 2024.
        9. PSE&G, "Solar and Renewable Energy”." Accessed Sept. 17, 2024.

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