Advertiser Disclosure
Our editorial team is committed to creating independent and objective content focused on helping our readers make informed decisions. To help support these efforts we receive compensation from companies that advertise with us.
The compensation we receive from these companies may impact how and where products appear on this site. This compensation does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides within our content. We do not include all companies, products or offers that may be available.
10 best solar companies in Cranford, New Jersey
Josephine NesbitHome improvement writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
Join more than 1,246 people who have received a quote in the last 30 days.
We've ranked the top 10 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Cranford. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
Top-quality solar panel installation in Cranford, New Jersey, requires you to hire a solar technician that is properly certified, qualified and experienced. To help your search for the best possible installer, we've put together a list of the top solar companies in Cranford.
Prior to choosing an installer, ask others for recommendations, review potential installers and get multiple quotes to find the right company for you. You can go with a local Cranford solar company or choose a reputable national brand.
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
Although solar panels need a big initial investment, you can lower your energy bills in the long run by making the transition. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), adopting solar energy allows Cranford homeowners to save a yearly average of around $680.
The services from different solar technicians vary. Make sure to compare companies and get quotes before you set up your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Cranford
Look for Cranford solar companies with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and similar customer review platforms. The company should also have a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Look at reviews to understand other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and watch for frequent bad reviews.
Kamtech Solar Solutions
Services offered
Highlights
- Informative resources
- Free quotes
SunPower
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Advisor Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Reliable customer support
- Informative resources
SI Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Geoscape Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Free quotes
- Informative resources
- Reliable customer support
New Jersey Sun Tech LLC
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Alerce Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Free quotes
- Informative resources
- Reliable customer support
Lucent Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Fusion Solar Energy
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Green House Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
More providers
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
Brooklyn SolarWorks
PosiGen
Advanced Solar & Energy Solutions
Green Mountain Energy
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Cranford?
Even areas with fluctuating sun amounts, including rainier and cloudier places such as Cranford, can still benefit from solar panels. Major reasons to adopt solar include these:
- Charge an electric vehicle: Solar energy enables you to fuel electric cars at your house. Leveraging your own power is the ideal way to make sure your electric vehicle operates on renewable energy.
- Save on energy bills: Adopting solar can help decrease your electricity bills. Solar panel systems use power to substitute for the electricity you would have otherwise bought from the utility company.
- Reduce environmental impact: Adopting solar panels reduces your carbon footprint by saving fossil fuels that would otherwise be consumed to run your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), power generation ranks among the top contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
Facts about Cranford
Monthly Energy Spending Per Capita
Clear Sky Days Per Year
Annual Solar Savings Per kW
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cranford?
Per a survey we administered in October 2023, the median cost of installing solar panels across the country is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation is influenced by several factors, such as where you live, sunlight exposure, roof alignment, shading, system size and labor. Expect to pay more if you select extras like solar trackers, batteries or animal guards.
In Cranford, solar panel installation costs an average of $11,528, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NASA and the EIA.
How much can you save by going solar in Cranford?
While solar panel installation might be a substantial initial cost, you are positioned to see significant savings on your electricity costs over time.
Money savings in Cranford from going solar
After fully switching to solar power, Cranford homeowners usually see cost savings. However, recovering the initial investment requires time, and elements like rain and tree shade affect the timeline for achieving returns on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the time it takes for a solar energy system to earn back its initial cost. The payback period in Cranford is approximately 16 years, according to our calculations, which are based on data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA.
- Annual solar savings in Cranford: On average, Cranford homeowners can save $681 per year using solar energy, according to our calculations based on data from the Department of Energy, the EIA and NASA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Based on our data from the EIA and NASA, if you make the full switch to solar energy, you can anticipate saving approximately $7,971 over a 25-year period.
Energy savings in Cranford from going solar
Not only does switching to solar save you money, but it also lowers your carbon footprint and its impact on the environment. Below are estimated CO2 emission reductions you can expect from going solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Cranford?
Multiple solar incentives are offered to Cranford homeowners. Some programs are available to all New Jersey residents, whereas others vary by utility company, city and municipality.
Here are solar incentives accessible for New Jersey residents, as listed by DSIRE.
| Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
|---|---|
Sales Tax Incentive Solar Energy Sales Tax Exemption | 100% exemption |
Performance-Based Incentive Successor Solar Incentive (SuSI) Program | Net-Metered Residential: $90/SREC-II Small Net-Metered Non-Residential located on Rooftop, Carport, Canopy and Floating Solar Projects smaller than 1 MW (dc): $100/SREC-II, $120 for public entities Projects 1 MW to 5 MW (dc): $90/SREC-II, $110 for public entities Net Metered Non-Residential Ground Mount Projects smaller than 1 MW (dc): $85/SREC-II, $105 for public entities Projects 1 MW to 5 MW (dc): $80/SREC-II, $100 for public entities Community Solar LMI: $90/SREC-II Community Solar Non-LMI: $70/SREC-II |
Property Tax Incentive Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems | 100% of value added by renewable system |
Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) Registration Program | Determined by the market. In June 2016, SREC traded at an average price of $229.90. |
Other Incentive PSE&G - Solar Loan Program | See Website |
Rebate Program NJ Clean Energy- Residential New Construction Program | Incentives depend on the HERS score and the classification Single family homes: Ranges from $1,125 to - 24,250 Multi-single homes: Ranges from $1,125 to $18,188 Multifamily homes: Ranges from $625-$12,125 |
Rebate Program Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program | Rebates Single family : $2,000 to $4,000 Multi-family : $500-$1,500 per unit Rebates for single family and multi-family should not exceed 50% of the cost of the measures used to calculate total estimated savings (TES) See table below for details Loans Single-family: $5,000 (Tier II) or $10,000 (Tier III)4.99% interest loans up to $15,000 (where utility 0% financing is unavailable) |
Rebate Program COOLAdvantage Program | Central AC: Tier 1 $300(Tier 1), $500 (Tier 2) Ductless Mini Split A/C or Heat Pump: $500 Air Source Heat Pump: $300 (Tier 1), $500(Tier 2) Geothermal Heat Pump: $500 |
Rebate Program NJ Clean Energy- WARMAdvantage Program (Electric and Gas) | Residential Electric Customers (including municipal utility customers): Solar Hot Water Heater: $1,200 Heat Pump Water Heater: $500 Geothermal Heat Pump: $500 Air-Source or Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump: $300- $500 Residential Gas Customers (including propane): Gas Furnace: $250- $500 Gas Boiler: $300 Gas Water Heater: $300 Solar Hot Water Heater: $1,200 Oil Heating Customers: Oil Furnace: $250 Oil Boiler: $300 Combination Rebate Boiler and Water Heater Combination Rebate: $700 Furnace and Water Heater Combination Rebate: $700- $950 |
Rebate Program New Jersey Renewable Energy Incentive Program (Sustainable Biopower) | $900,000 or 30% of the cost per project, which ever is less |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a Cranford solar installer?
Before choosing a solar panel installation expert, evaluate these important questions.
What size system do you need?
Your solar panel system's size is influenced by your home's energy consumption and the system's production capacity. Bigger households use more electricity and might require larger solar panel systems. An undersized system might not manage to fully energize your house.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar plans may be impacted by certain regulatory requirements and state or local regulations. You must get proper permits through your local building department and arrange for an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Surrounding trees, rainfall and severe weather conditions in your area can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may require more panels with a higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
A lot of solar panel systems offer a battery. Solar batteries hold extra power, which is particularly beneficial when you want to avoid power loss in a storm. Installing battery storage may increase the overall expense.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
Several solar panel varieties exist, each varying in life expectancy, efficiency and design. These factors affect pricing, the rate of panel replacement and space taken on your roof.
Our methodology for selecting solar companies
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
Our editors may use AI as an input tool to tailor information in local markets. All content goes through a rigorous research and review process led by our team of writers and editors.
More on this topic...
Our guide explores the best solar companies available. Trinity and Elevation top our list for their services, and Sunrun rounds it out with its leasing options.
solarMay 16
While you can save money installing DIY solar panels, it’s not a simple home improvement project and does require electrical know-how as well as roofing skills.
solarMay 15
Sleek and innovative, solar shingles are gaining rapid popularity. They cost more than traditional solar panels but are also more aesthetically pleasing.
solarApr. 16
Solar panels last about 25 years, according to our expert. Our guide explains how to get the most out of your system’s life.
solarMar. 27