Best 5 Solar Companies in Berkeley, NJ

Berkeley homeowners are lucky to live in abundant sunlight, both to appreciate and use for energy. Many are hiring top solar installers to get panels on their roofs. Local homeowners might consider solar to break free of high power costs from sources like natural gas. A professional solar installer can help you set up and adjust a system that fulfills your energy needs without being too expensive. Discover Berkeley's best solar companies and learn vital decision-making tips on this page.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has meticulously studied dozens of solar providers near Berkeley, keeping in mind the following criteria:

• Service offerings and warranties: Solar companies should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each installer responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should tap into their years of experience address your questions on how to care for your system and maximize its performance.
• Professional licensure and experience: Each provider on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Berkeley community for over 15 years.
• Reviews and feedback from customers: Most Berkeley solar companies have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The premier solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, offering equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy comes with multiple perks. Let's look at a few of them.

• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home functioning through emergencies and blackouts, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery storage system.
• Lowered energy bills: You can dodge the premium cost of grid-tied power by generating some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to help pay for your energy bill.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Berkeley Homeowners?

New Jersey homeowners who decide on solar could qualify for special financing, reimbursements, rebates and tax credits. Here are just a few of the area's incentive programs.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Berkeley

The purchase price and effectiveness of solar panels often rely on which company mounted them. Here are some important factors to keep in mind while searching for a solar specialist.

Licensing and Training

Licensing requirements mean that your New Jersey solar installation team will likely have a variety of different professionals, including a master plumber for piping work and an electrician for wiring work. The master-level professionals on the team will also liaise with your local government and utility on permit matters. Check for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar sector's most trusted trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Berkeley

Your solar panels' model will affect how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

If you want to charge an electric car or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By choosing the right components, you can make your system more productive and user-friendly. Not all solar companies include these optional components, so look for a provider that sells them if it's essential for you.

If you're a resident of Berkeley and are looking into a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could plan to spend about $17,650 for materials and labor. See more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Berkeley

Solar providers offer multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar loans and cash payments. We advise making a cash payment or securing a solar loan for the best return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to cut your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a fluctuating rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in particular circumstances. We advise working with a company that offers multiple financing options. Ask each salesperson about what's available, and get more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your spending limits.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Berkeley.

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on the full cost of the solar system, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Municipal authorities and utilities might also offer their own incentives, rebates, and financing programs that could save you more money.

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy