Best 5 Solar Companies in Freehold, NJ

With Freehold's clear skies and little rainfall, it's a perfect area for homeowners and businesses hoping to harness the additional sunlight by buying panels from one of the best solar installers. Local homeowners might choose solar to break free of high power costs from sources like natural gas. A professional solar contractor can help you install and adjust a system that matches your energy needs without being too expensive. Discover Freehold's top-rated solar companies and learn crucial decision-making strategies on this page.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has researched dozens of solar companies near Freehold, focusing on the following criteria:

• Professional licenses and credentials: Each installer on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Freehold community for over 15 years.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar providers should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer happiness.
• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should utilize 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 remain current on new technology, providing equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most Freehold solar providers have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio indicates a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy has numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Lowered energy bills: Solar panels let you generate your own energy to power your home, lowering your regular electricity costs. Going off-grid can eliminate your bills completely. Plus, a significant amount of states offer net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
• Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home functioning through emergencies and blackouts, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery storage.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Utilizing solar is a surefire way to reduce your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Freehold Homeowners?

The state of New Jersey offers multiple solar incentives to help cut your solar system costs. Here is a breakdown of available solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Freehold

The more comprehensive your company investigation is, the better your solar panels will ultimately perform. Make your choice based on the following vital factors.

Licensing and Training

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

Cost of Solar Panels in Freehold

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. 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'd like to charge an electric car or use your solar power in dark weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By choosing the right components, you can make your panel array more productive and user-friendly. Not all solar providers provide these add-ons, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's essential for you.

Most Freehold homeowners choose solar systems rated for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $17,650 to set up, considering both materials and labor. You can find more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Freehold

Choosing the ideal financing plan will impact your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include leases, power purchase agreements, cash payments, and loans. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments require a large up-front sum, but they save you from paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Much like a home or car loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $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, akin to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Look for installers 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 Freehold.

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on your new solar panels, so long as you purchase it before 2032. City and state governments 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