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Best 5 Solar Companies in Fair Lawn, NJ
The best solar company in Fair Lawn is SunPower.
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- Updated 2024-04-18 00:00:00
With Fair Lawn's clear skies and below-average rainfall, it's a perfect area for homeowners and businesses seeking to harness the added sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar installers. If you're thinking about going solar, you might be concerned about high prices or long payback periods. By working with a experienced installer, you'll have both the monetary and operational support you need for a smooth transition. In this guide, we'll show you Fair Lawn's best solar providers and offer advice for your company choice, so you can find the ideal one for your household.
5 Best Solar Companies in Fair Lawn
Brands are algorithmically curated from a database of local service providers near you. We require a minimum number of Google reviews and average ratings for provider inclusion.
SunPower
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Kamtech Solar Solutions
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
SunPower by New York State Solar Farm
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Sunrun Solar
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Infinity Energy
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Ranking Methodology
Our team focuses on the following criteria to determine the best Fair Lawn solar companies.
- Service offerings and warranties: Solar contractors should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each installer responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer satisfaction.
- Certifications and licenses: Each provider on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Fair Lawn community for more than a decade.
- Feedback and reviews from customers: Most Fair Lawn solar contractors have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
- Educational approach: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should utilize their years of experience address your questions on how to look after your system and maximize its performance.
- Panel quality and brand offerings: The top solar companies keep up with new technology, offering equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
Facts about Fair Lawn
- Average Max Temperature:60°F
- Solar Payback Period:16 years
- Average Daily Sunlight:54%
- Homes Powered by Solar:769
- Average Annual Energy Bill:$1,422
- Solar Power per Capita:85.2%
Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy comes with multiple perks. Here are some highlights.
- Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is the universe's most abundant clean energy source, meaning you can reduce or eliminate your home's dependence on non-renewable sources.
- Lower energy bills: Sourcing some or all of your own power will cut power costs long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that enable you to sell your extra energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.
- Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with energy storage systems work through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the grid for your safety and comfort.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Fair Lawn Homeowners?
Governments and utilities often incentivize homeowners for switching to solar. Here are some of the rebates, tax credits or other programs you could qualify for.
Incentive Type:Sales Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% exemption
Incentive Type:Performance-Based Incentive
Website:https://www.njcleanenergy.com/renewable-energy/programs/susi-program
Incentive Amount:
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
Incentive Type:Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% of value added by renewable system
Incentive Type:Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program
Incentive Amount:
Determined by the market.
In June 2016, SREC traded at an average price of $229.90.
Incentive Type:Other Incentive
Incentive Type:Rebate Program
Website:http://www.njcleanenergy.com/residential/programs/nj-energy-star-homes/nj-energy-star-homes
Incentive Amount:
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
Incentive Type:Rebate Program
Incentive Amount:
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)
Incentive Type:Rebate Program
Website:http://NJCleanEnergy.com/Cool
Incentive Amount:
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
Incentive Type:Rebate Program
Incentive Amount:
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
Incentive Type:Rebate Program
Website:http://www.njcleanenergy.com/renewable-energy/programs/renewable-energy-incentive-program
Incentive Amount:
$900,000 or 30% of the cost per project, which ever is less
Incentive Type:Personal Tax Credit
Website:https://www.ecowatch.com/solar/ev-appliance-solar-tax-credit-calculator
Incentive Amount:
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.
How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Fair Lawn
The more informed your provider search is, the better your solar system will ultimately operate. Make your choice based on the following important considerations.
Licensing and Training
Licensing requirements mean that your New Jersey solar installation team may have a variety of different professionals, including a master plumber for piping work and an electrician for wiring work. The most senior professionals on the team will also handle permit work for the job. Check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of 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 Fair Lawn
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.
If you want to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By choosing the right components, you can make your system more productive and convenient to use. Not every solar company provides these optional components, so look for a company that installs them if it's important for you.
You can expect to pay about $17,650 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Fair Lawn. Check the table in this section to get an idea of what amount Fair Lawn solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,173.57 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $915.39 |
Thin-Film | $535.15 |
Solar Battery | $751.09 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,816.57 |
Financing Solar Energy in Fair Lawn
Choosing the right financing option will influence your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include leases, loans, power purchase agreements, and cash payments. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most economical choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a home or auto loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for valuable 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, similar to 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. We suggest working with a contractor that offers multiple financing options. Ask each agent about what's available, and secure more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your financial plan.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Fair Lawn.
You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy equipment until the year 2032. Local and state governments and utility companies might also offer rebates, discounts, and unique financing solutions that could save you more.
Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
---|---|
1 kW | 2.8 years |
2 kW | 5.6 years |
5 kW | 14.1 years |
10 kW | 28.2 years |
Frequently Asked Questions about Solar in Fair Lawn
On average, Fair Lawn homeowners spend approximately $1,422 per year on power bills. Once you repay your solar array, you could reduce your costs by $765.19 for every kilowatt you produce.
Yes, solar energy is on the rise in Fair Lawn. Some homes already use solar power on-site or through utility grids, and they're supported by a state solar economy with 6225 workers and counting.
Yes, new solar systems mean higher property values according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL.) Homeowners could project a $20 property value increase for each dollar they save on energy. Therefore, $600 in energy savings could increase your home's value by $12,000.
Today's solar installations are impressively durable, lasting up to 25 years. Monocrystalline options and other high-end models tend to work longer than cheaper models.
There's no universal answer for how long a solar project might take. Ultimately, it depends on system size, the necessary prework, the permitting and inspection process, local weather, and panel style. Most homeowners can be solar-ready within a few months from their initial estimate visit.
Most Fair Lawn homeowners pay back a solar loan in 16.1 years. You can shorten the payback period by paying off extra loan principal each month.
The main differences between a power purchase agreement and traditional financing are that you pay a fluctuating monthly rate based on your energy usage and don't own your system. Your service provider installs and maintains the panels, and you pay for the generated electricity for 10–25 years. Afterward, you can extend the agreement or purchase the system outright.
You might look into a PPA if you don’t want to be responsible for maintenance and don’t want to invest in a system, but keep in mind you won’t be paying toward ownership or be able to access any cost-saving solar incentives. Many solar experts don’t recommend PPAs. Our guide covers other financing options above.
It's smart to obtain three or more estimates before committing to a single solar provider. This allows you to evaluate product quality, customer feedback, warranty options, and pricing. It also lets you gauge a company's reliability, responsiveness and knowledge, all of which are positive signs.
Sources
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