Best 5 Solar Companies in Bridgewater, NJ

Bridgewater homeowners are fortunate to live in ample sunlight, both to appreciate and use for energy. Many are working with top solar installers to get panels on their roofs. Local homeowners might go for solar to break free of high power costs from sources like natural gas. A skilled solar company can help you set up and tune a system that matches your energy needs without costing a fortune. In this article, we'll showcase Bridgewater's best solar installers and offer advice for your company choice, so you can find the ideal one for your home.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has carefully researched dozens of solar companies near Bridgewater, keeping in mind the following criteria:

• Panel quality and brand offerings: The top solar companies remain current on new technology, offering equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should use their years of experience answer your questions on how to look after your system and improve its performance.
• Professional licensure and experience: Each contractor on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Bridgewater community for over 15 years.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar providers should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each provider responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer happiness.
• Reviews and feedback from customers: Most Bridgewater solar installers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio demonstrates a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy offers multiple advantages. Let's look at a few of them.

• Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with energy storage systems operate through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the grid for your safety and well-being.
• Lowered energy bills: You can avoid the premium cost of grid-tied power by generating some electricity at home. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back for credits on your bill.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Adopting solar is a surefire way to minimize your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Bridgewater Homeowners?

New Jersey agencies and electric companies offer a number of solar incentives to help cut your solar system costs. Check out a breakdown of available solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Bridgewater

The price and efficiency of solar panels often rely on the solar company that mounted them. Consider each of these aspects in your company search.

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 most experienced professionals on the team will also liaise with your local government and utility on permit matters. Check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar industry's most respected trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Bridgewater

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels provide a lower price point but produce less power. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.

Additional components, such as battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will increase your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar contractors provide these add-ons, so look for a company that sells them if it's crucial for you.

Generally speaking, it will cost about $17,650 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Bridgewater. This table displays more specific prices for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Bridgewater

There are various ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will help you decrease overhead. A few of the most common options include cash payments, leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and loans. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most affordable choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a car or home loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for cost-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, much like an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and do not provide you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Look for contractors that offer two or more payment plans to find the right fit for your wallet.

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

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on total system costs, so long as you purchase it before 2032. City and state governments and utilities might also offer their own rebates, incentives, 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