Each year, at Cleanstart, we meet with well over 500 households in the Bergen County, NJ area to discuss their solar installation needs.
Many people are aware of our expertise and transparency about solar energy, and as a result, they often ask us about other reputable solar installers in the area.
We believe in being completely honest about our competition and want our customers to be as well-informed as possible.
We also believe that a list provided by an actual solar company like Cleanstart, will have a bit more credibility than a website or publication that doesn’t have a focus on solar, especially local solar installers.
Although those articles published by Forbes, CNET, ThisOldHouse, MarketWatch, etc can be somewhat helpful, they often aren’t looking at the nuances of what actually makes a great solar installer and solar installation.
Things we will address in this article:
- Who are the best solar installers in Bergen County, NJ?
- Why did we choose these specific solar installers?
- What makes a great solar installer/installation?
- What should a good solar installer charge?
- How to decide which solar installer is right for you? (What to look for?)
Here Is Our Top Picks For Best Solar Installer In Bergen County, New Jersey:
Please note: these installers aren’t all necessarily located in Bergen County, but do have a heavy presence in the Bergen County, NJ area.
- Infinity Energy: Located in Mahwah, New Jersey, Infinity Energy offers a variety of solar solutions tailored to different energy needs.
- Green House: Located in Madison, New Jersey, Green House Solar is known for their high-quality installations and excellent customer service.
- Trinity: With multiple locations in Northern New Jersey, Trinity is a reliable option with competitive pricing and strong local reputation.
- Green Power Energy: Located in Annandale, New Jersey, Green Power specializes in residential solar installations with a focus on efficiency.
Detailed Reviews Of The Best Solar Installers in Bergen County, NJ:
1. Infinity Energy
Infinity Energy has been in the solar installation business in the Hudson Valley area for over a decade. I met one of the founders a few times and I know from first hand experience that they take pride in their installation workmanship. They make sure they are using top quality equipment with good warranties. They offer customized solar solutions and have a strong presence in the Bergen County area as well as Hudson Valley, New York.
2. Green House Solar
The owner of Green House Solar comes from an electrician background and just like Cleanstart, they put their customers first and pride themselves on high quality work. Green House offers a variety of solar solutions tailored to different energy needs. They typically will install SunPower Maxeon panels, which is the most efficient (and expensive) panel technology available for residential solar installs. Their focus on efficiency and customer satisfaction has made them a popular choice among homeowners in Northern New Jersey.
3. Trinity Solar
Trinity Solar has been around since 1994. They have built a reputation for being a reliable option with competitive pricing. They have a strong local reputation and are known for their packaged roofing and solar services.
4. Green Power Energy
Green Power Energy has been in the solar industry since 2009. I do not personally know the founders but I have seen there work and after seeing their installations, I felt they deserved a spot on this list. They specialize in residential solar installations with a focus on customer service and longevity and have a long history of successful installations and many satisfied customers. They are typically choosing tier 1 equipment on their installations.
What Makes A Great Solar Installer And Installation?
Pride in aesthetics
The website of the company you are looking at should have an extensive portfolio of their installations.
Notice the wire management and conduit. Is it hidden on the majority of the installations or do the lay the conduit on the roof in plain sight? Do you see a lot of the racking sticking out from the sides?
Notice the photo on the top vs. the photo on the bottom.
The photo on the top is from a company who clearly doesn’t put much priority in aesthetics. The bottom photo there is no wiring or conduit showing, no racking and the panels are a bit more flush with the roof giving that aesthetically pleasing look.
Speed
The process of installing solar panels on a home roof top do not typically take long. Usually one to two days max.
By speed, what we mean is everything that is done before and after installation day. The level of care and competency within the organization will reveal itself during the permitting phase and activation phase.
Some towns do take much longer than other towns when it comes to approving permits, but what you want to see is great communication throughout this process.
If the installer is communicating with you and letting you know consistently where they are along the process, chances are they are competent with the local jurisdictions and are trying for a speedy installation.
Thoroughness
By thoroughness, we mean a close attention to detail, not only in the installation itself but with everything behind the scenes in getting ready for your solar installation and activation.
The installation team needs to be competent in every aspect of this process from making sure the right labels are on the main electrical panel to the right documents submitted to the utility company. Dealing with an installer that is thorough and does not cut corners will ensure a speedy installation.
Great communication throughout project
This is pretty self explanatory. But you absolutely need this. If there is no communication for weeks to months on end, leaving you scratching your head and in the dark, you will not have a good experience.
A highly communicative installer will make sure things are happening in a timely fashion.
Extended service and labor warranties
The best installers will make sure they not only have great products with great product warranties, but they will also stand behind their workmanship.
They will ensure that if anything were to happen, like a drop in production or a leak in the roof (very rare nowadays), that they will perform that service at no charge for years to come. We at Cleanstart offer a 25 year service and labor warranty so our customers do not have to worry about paying for service for a very very long time.
What Should A Good Solar Installer Charge?
Choosing a good solar installer involves understanding the overall cost and the quality of service rather than just focusing on the price per watt (PPW).
Remember, the cost of solar installations can be influenced by many factors including annual sunlight exposure, roof orientation, and roof complexity. While a fair range for PPW is typically between $3.50 and $5.00 in the NJ, NY, and CT area, a lower or higher price would warrant further investigation.
Different purchasing options like cash, finance or lease/PPA and regional factors such as state incentives also impact pricing.
For instance, in the tri-state region (NY, NJ, CT), purchasing a solar system upfront can range from $20,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on sunlight conditions, electric usage and roof complexity. Financing and PPAs offer alternative ways to spread the cost without any upfront costs, but the overall financial benefits, including tax credits and long-term savings, should be carefully considered.
Quality and support should not be compromised for a lower price. Cheaper installations may result in poor workmanship, inadequate service, future costs and many headaches. It’s crucial to ensure the job is done right the first time with continuous support from the installer.
For more detailed information on solar panel system costs and pricing, you can refer to our full Pricing Guide.
How To Decide Which Solar installer Is Right For You? (What to look for?)
Website
Look at the website. Does it look like a living, breathing entity or does it look like a glorified brochure?
Would you, a potential customer who is doing their research online be compelled to contact a company with very little photos, basic about page, a few positive reviews, no clear steps and no actual indication if the customers request was received and is being reviewed? Or would you rather do business with a clean, beautiful, up to date, functional website with branded graphics letting them know the exact steps they’ll go through?
The website should be full of professional photos of smiling staff wearing branded merch, and maybe there is even a photo of their truck somewhere.
There should also be a pricing page that outlines budget ranges with examples. And potentially even a video from the owner explaining how the process works on the online scheduling page.
Which company is more likely to get the sale? Even if the better one is more expensive?
Reviews
This one is quite self explanatory but it is important to understand what type of reviews you want to look for.
Many solar companies can have over 4 star reviews. However, what is absolutely crucial is sifting through those reviews and making sure you see their customers posting reviews talking about their experience with that particular company after the solar installation is complete.
This is where the rubber meets the road. Anyone can seem like they have great customer service until there is a problem. And this exact problem is prevalent within the solar industry.
Most solar installers will do whatever they have to do to get the project installed on the roof because that is how they get paid. So the sales rep and the company behind that sales rep will usually act as if they are your best friend all the way up until installation day. They need to make sure you are happy so the project does not get cancelled. So in those few months before actual installation day, you are a happy satisfied customer because you were getting timely updates from your solar sales rep.
Then, come a few months after your solar system gets installed, you may have some questions or need some assistance. Only to scratch your head in complete confusion, wondering why your new “best friend” is no longer answering your calls, or at the very least, taking weeks to return your calls.
This is the biggest problem with solar companies today.
It is a lack of customer support POST-INSTALLATION. So read those reviews and try and get a sense of the company’s core values.
Equipment
When choosing a solar installer, equipment quality is crucial. Most providers use tier-one solar panels, ensuring efficiency and reliability.
However, not all installers focus on high-quality racking equipment, which is essential for structural integrity, safety, and aesthetics.
Racking systems like Invisimount or Ironridge ensure your installation is leak-proof and visually appealing.
Always ask about the racking equipment your installer uses to guarantee a durable and attractive solar setup.
Wrapping It All Up
When selecting an installer, consider their aesthetics, speed, thoroughness, communication, and warranties.
A great installer will prioritize high-quality equipment and provide excellent post-installation support.
At Cleanstart, we believe in transparency and providing our customers with all the information they need to make the best choice. For any solar project, ensure you do thorough research and choose an installer that aligns with your needs and values.
If you end of choosing one of these installers or you use our guide and find another reputable company, you can feel confident in your investment and enjoy the many benefits of solar energy for years to come
CURIOUS ABOUT SOLAR?
It’s a lot simpler than you think!