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10 best solar companies in Summit, 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
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We've ranked the top 10 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Summit. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
High-quality solar panel installation in Summit, New Jersey, requires choosing a solar installer that is properly certified, skilled and experienced. To help you find the right team, we’ve compiled a list of the best solar companies in Summit.
Prior to picking an installer, ask others for suggestions, vet potential companies and collect multiple quotes to find the ideal company for your requirements. You can choose a local solar company in Summit or pick a well-known national brand.
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
While solar panels are a big upfront investment, you can reduce your energy bills over the long term. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that transitioning to solar energy lets Summit homeowners to save around $680 per year.
Not every solar company provides the same offerings. Ahead of arranging your solar panel installation, look at different companies' offerings and get multiple quotes.
Find the top solar company for you in Summit
Look for Summit solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars based on customer critiques on Google Reviews and similar sites. Make sure the company has a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) when selecting a solar company.
Reviewing previous customer reviews will provide a sense of how other homeowners felt about the company, so be wary if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
Kamtech Solar Solutions
Services offered
Highlights
- Informative resources
- Free quotes
SunPower
Services offered
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- Clear pricing policy
Advisor Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Informative resources
- Reliable customer support
Geoscape Solar
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- Free quotes
- Informative resources
- Reliable customer support
Lucent Solar
Services offered
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- Clear pricing policy
Green House Solar
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- Clear pricing policy
PosiGen
Services offered
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- Clear pricing policy
SI Solar
Services offered
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- Clear pricing policy
Advanced Solar & Energy Solutions
Services offered
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- Clear pricing policy
Alerce Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Informative resources
- Reliable customer support
- Free quotes
More providers
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
New Jersey Sun Tech LLC
Green Mountain Energy
Robinhood Solar Group
Brooklyn SolarWorks
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Summit?
Places with varied sunshine levels, including rainy or cloudy areas like Summit, can still use solar power. The major reasons to adopt solar energy are:
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can charge electric vehicles using solar power at home. This is the best way to ensure your electric vehicle is powered by renewable energy.
- Save on energy bills: Going with solar energy lets you reduce your electricity bills. The power generated by solar panels substitutes for electricity that would otherwise be purchased from utility providers.
- Reduce environmental impact: Moving to solar reduces your carbon footprint by minimizing the use of fossil fuels that would be required to power your home. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that electricity production is one of the primary drivers of greenhouse gas emissions.
Facts about Summit
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 Summit?
Based on our survey carried out in October 2023, the median national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The price of installing solar panels differs based on several factors, including your location, sunlight access, roof direction, shading, system dimensions and labor. Be prepared to pay extra if you pick any add-ons like animal guards, batteries or solar trackers.
In Summit, solar panel installation costs around $11,528, based on data from the EIA, NASA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
How much can you save by going solar in Summit?
Installing solar panels means sizable spending upfront, but you can make those costs back through big reductions in your energy bills down the line.
Money savings in Summit from going solar
In Summit, you can plan to save money after transitioning fully to solar. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and factors such as rain and tree coverage influence how long it takes to see a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period refers to how long it takes a solar panel system to recoup its initial investment through energy savings. According to our analysis using data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA, Summit's average payback period for solar is 16 years.
- Annual solar savings in Summit: Homeowners in Summit typically save an average of $681 per year by using solar energy, based on our analysis using data from NASA, the EIA and the Department of Energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: After transitioning completely to solar power, you can anticipate savings of about $7,971 over 25 years, according to our calculations from NASA and the EIA.
Energy savings in Summit from going solar
Adopting solar not only saves money but also decreases your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the estimated CO2 emission reductions attainable by going solar.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 55 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 1375 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Summit?
There are multiple solar incentives available to homeowners in Summit. Specific programs extend to all New Jersey residents, while others are determined by your utility company, municipality and city.
The following solar incentives are offered to New Jersey residents, according to 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 Summit solar installer?
Before choosing a professional solar panel installation company, reflect on these key considerations.
What size system do you need?
The right solar system size for you depends on how much energy your household uses, as well as the system's energy production ratio. Larger homes often need bigger solar setups. If the system isn't big enough, it could struggle to generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar installation project could be subject to applicable codes and permits by your state. You'll need to acquire the required permits from your local building department, as well as set up an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. 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 extra panels with a higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
To store additional energy, a lot of panel systems feature a solar battery. This feature is invaluable during storms and helps to prevent power loss. However, using battery storage may lead to increased installation costs.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
There are multiple solar panel types available, with differences in efficiency, life expectancy and design. These aspects impact not just the cost, but also how often panels will need to be replaced and the space needed 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.
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