We may be compensated if you purchase through links on our website. Our Reviews Team is committed to delivering honest, objective, and independent reviews on home products and services.
Best 5 Solar Companies in Franklin, NJ
The best solar company in Franklin is SunPower.
Get matched with a top local pro
Join the 10,601 people who have received a free, no-obligation quote in the last 30 days
- Fact Checked
Fact checked by one of our trusted team members.
- Updated 2024-04-18 00:00:00
Franklin homeowners are lucky to live in plentiful sunlight, both to enjoy and use for energy. Many are hiring top solar installers to get panels on their roofs. 1,544 homes in the area already utilize a solar photovoltaic or water heating system. Expert installers will therefore have the exact experience you need to join the solar trend with confidence. In this guide, we'll show you Franklin's best solar installers and offer tips for your company choice, so you can find the ideal one for your residence.
5 Best Solar Companies in Franklin
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 Builders
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Sunrun Solar
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
US Clean Energy
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Ranking Methodology
We analyzed a multitude of Franklin solar installers, using the following criteria to determine the top-notch:
- Customer reviews and feedback: Most Franklin solar contractors have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio indicates a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
- Certifications and credentials: Each installer on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Franklin community for more than a decade.
- Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should use their years of experience address your questions on how to look after your system and improve its performance.
- Panel quality and brand offerings: The premier solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, providing equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
- Service offerings and warranties: Solar contractors should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer satisfaction.
Facts about Franklin
- Average Max Temperature:60°F
- Solar Payback Period:16 years
- Average Daily Sunlight:53%
- Homes Powered by Solar:1,544
- Average Annual Energy Bill:$1,422
- Solar Power per Capita:90.4%
Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Adopting solar is a surefire way to reduce your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
- Lowered energy bills: With solar panels, you generate power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-connected power. You can eliminate your bills completely if you go off-grid. Plus, a significant amount of states have adopted net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
- Better energy independence: Adding a battery backup or storage system lets you have reliable energy during grid outages and storms.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Franklin Homeowners?
Governments and power companies 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 Franklin
The more thorough your company research is, the better your photovoltaic system will ultimately perform. Make your choice based on the following key factors.
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. Solar companies can also obtain certificates from trade groups and standards organizations. The top ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.
Cost of Solar Panels in Franklin
The kind of solar panels you choose dictates how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. Thin-film panels aren't the best for large residential installations, but they are excellent accessories for non-traditional roofs.
If you want to charge an electric car or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By selecting the right components, you can make your panel array more productive and convenient to use. Not every solar provider offers these additional features, so look for a provider that installs them if it's important for you.
You can plan to spend about $17,650 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Franklin. Check the table in this section to get an idea of how much Franklin solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,258.21 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $981.41 |
Thin-Film | $573.75 |
Solar Battery | $805.26 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $3,019.71 |
Financing Solar Energy in Franklin
Choosing the correct financing plan will impact your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include cash payments, loans, leases, and power purchase agreements. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most cost-effective choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the second most effective 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 allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a fluctuating rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in particular circumstances. We advise working with a company that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each agent about what's available, and get more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your financial plan.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Franklin.
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. Municipal authorities and utilities might also offer their own financing programs, incentives, and rebates that could save you more money.
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 Franklin
Most Franklin homeowners spend about $1,422 on energy each year. Your costs could drop by $753.91 for each kilowatt you generate after you pay off a solar array.
Yes, solar energy is reaching new heights in Franklin. Some homes already generate solar power on-site or through utility grids, and they're backed by a state solar economy with 6225 jobs and counting.
Yes, solar panels will raise your property value. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, for every dollar you save on energy bills, your home value rises by $20. So, if your panels save you $600 per year on energy costs, your property could appreciate $12,000.
Modern solar panels are designed for durability. The average panel is good for 25 years of service. Cheaper panels tend to last shorter than top-tier models.
To protect your solar system's performance, inspections and cleanings every six months are usually adequate. In dusty or dry seasons, your panels might need cleanings every few months. Your provider can recommend a maintenance schedule. Its team could also handle the cleaning for you.
Most Franklin homeowners pay back a solar loan in 16.4 years. You can shorten the payback period by paying off extra loan principal each month.
While many online reviews are positive, even the rated solar companies might have complaints. You should know these early red flags for the best odds of a satisfactory job:
- Pushy sales approach
- Being evasive about references, credentials and training, warranties and cost
- Limited or no customization
- Rushing through the site assessment
- More mixed or negative reviews than positive ones
Sources
Explore Useful Articles On Solar
How Do Solar Panels Work? (2024)
Tamara Jude-December 19, 2023
How Many Solar Panels Do I Need? (2024 Guide)
Tamara Jude-December 19, 2023
Monocrystalline vs. Polycrystalline Solar Panels (2024 Guide)
Tamara Jude-December 19, 2023
Types of Solar Panels (2024 Guide)
January 31, 2024
What Are the Environmental Benefits of Solar Energy?
Tamara Jude-December 18, 2023