Trinity Solar is one of the leading solar companies in the East Coast, with over 85,000 installations completed and of more than 2,700 employees. In addition to solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, Trinity Solar also installs Tesla and Generac home batteries.

Founded in 1994, Trinity Solar was originally dedicated to space heating and air conditioning. They started offering solar installations in 2004, and they have expanded to 10 states:

  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island

Trinity Solar is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). By July 2023, the company had an average score of 4.0/5.0 on EnergySage based on 61 reviews, and a score of 2.74/5.0 on the BBB website based on 88 reviews.

How Much Does a Trinity Solar Installation Cost?

There is limited pricing information from Trinity Solar, since they are a privately-owned company. The only way to get an accurate quote is by contacting them directly. However, their preferred solar panel brand is Q CELLS, which has a cost range of $2.32 – $3.16 per watt according to market data from EnergySage.

System SizeTypical Cost (Q CELLS)Net Cost after 30% Tax Credit
6 kW$13,920 – $18,960$9,744 – $13,272
8 kW$18,560 – $25,280$12,992 – $17,696
10 kW$23,200 – $31,600$16,240 – $22,120

Note: These cost figures are for Q CELLS modules in general, not specifically for Trinity Solar.

Trinity Solar offers four purchasing options for homeowners: upfront cash payment, solar loan, solar lease and Power Purchase Agreement (Solar PPA). Trinity Solar partners with Sunnova to offer you their lease and PPA options.

When you purchase a solar system in cash or with loan financing, you become the legal owner right away and can claim incentives like the Clean Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC). On the other hand, when you sign a lease or PPA, the system is legally owned by the company providing the service and they get the incentives.

Trinity Solar has a referral program, where you can get a $1,000 bonus per each successful referral. The company also supports local nonprofit organizations:

  • $100 donation when a nonprofit member gets a consultation
  • $1,000 donation when a nonprofit member purchases a home solar system

As of July 2023, Trinity Solar had partnered with more than 52 nonprofit organizations, with cumulative donations adding up to $629,650.

What Solar Panels and Inverters Does Trinity Solar Use?

Trinity Solar uses PV modules from Q CELLS in most of their installations, but they can install other brands if requested by a customer. However, Q CELLS is commonly ranked among the best solar panel brands, offering the following features:

  • Up to 21.4% energy conversion efficiency
  • 25-year product warranty
  • 25-year power performance warranty

The two main inverter brands used by Trinity Solar are SolarEdge and Enphase. SolarEdge focuses on power optimizer inverters, while Enphase focuses on microinverters:

Inverter BrandSolarEdgeEnphase
Type of inverterPower optimizer inverterMicroinverter
DescriptionThe system uses a common inverter, and each panel is equipped with a power optimizer to boost its electricity output.Each solar panel is equipped with a microinverter that converts its electricity output from DC to AC, while optimizing productivity. There is no central inverter.
Warranty12-year warranty, can be extended to 25 years25-year warranty

Battery Storage Options from Trinity Solar

The Trinity Solar website does not specify the energy storage brands installed by the company. According to MarketWatch, Trinity Solar normally offers the Tesla Powerwall and Generac PWRcell. Both batteries have a 10-year manufacturer warranty.

The Tesla Powerwall is one of the most popular home batteries, with an energy storage capacity of 13.5 kWh and a rated power output of 5.8 kVA. You can link up to 10 Powerwalls to reach a combined capacity of 135 kWh.

The Generac PWRcell is also ranked among the best battery systems available in the US. The PWRcell is available in four sizes with a storage capacity ranging from 9 to 18 kWh, and a power output ranging from 4.5 to 9.0 kW. You can link two PWRcell systems together, reaching up to 36 kWh.

Trinity Solar PV System Installation Process

Trinity Solar operates across 10 states, and the permitting requirements for solar PV systems vary by location. However, the installation process can be summarized in some broad steps:

  1. Free consultation: Trinity Solar analyzes your electricity bills, to determine your potential savings and the optimal solar PV capacity for your home.
  2. System design: Your solar installation is designed according to your home energy needs and roof conditions.
  3. Permitting and incentive applications: Trinity Solar makes sure your PV system design is compliant with local building codes and interconnection requirements. They also submit applications for any solar incentive programs available in your location.
  4. Solar installation: Trinity Solar proceeds with the installation according to the approved design. The process can often be completed in a single day.
  5. Final inspection: Trinity Solar contacts the corresponding authority to schedule an inspection. Once you get the Permission to Operate (PTO), your solar system can be switched on and connected to the local grid.

You can input your ZIP code at the Trinity Solar website. This displays a contact form asking for basic information about your property and the type of solar system you want: stand-alone solar panels, stand-alone energy storage, or a combined solar and battery system.

Does Trinity Solar Offer a Good Warranty?

Trinity Solar works with brands who offer solid product warranties:

  • Solar panels from Q CELLS have a 25-year warranty.
  • The Tesla Powerwall and Generac PWRcell batteries have a 10-year warranty.
  • SolarEdge inverters have a 12-year warranty, extendable to 25 years.
  • Enphase microinverters have a 25-year warranty.

In addition to the manufacturer warranties, Trinity Solar offers a 5-year workmanship warranty when you purchase a solar PV system. This can be considered one of their weak spots, since there are competitors who offer a 25-year workmanship warranty in addition to the product warranties.

Trinity Solar offers better coverage if you get a solar lease or PPA. In this case you get the 25-year Sunnova Protect System Coverage, which includes:

  • Solar PV system monitoring and diagnostics
  • Free repairs and part replacements
  • Energy production guarantee
  • 10-year roof penetration warranty

Keep in mind that your long-term savings are also lower with a lease or PPA, and you miss out on many incentives. If you want to maximize your return on investment, the recommended options are a cash purchase or loan financing.

Trinity Solar Certifications and Memberships

Trinity Solar is a Certified Tesla Powerwall Installer and Generac PWRPartner. The company is also a member of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), Solarize Connecticut and Solarize Massachusetts. Trinity Solar technicians hold the following certifications:

  • North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP)
  • Building Performance Institute (BPI)

In spite of its growth, Trinity Solar remains a family-owned business. They are the largest privately-held solar installer in the US, headquartered in New Jersey.