Best 5 Solar Companies in Hackensack, NJ

Hackensack homeowners are privileged to live in plentiful sunlight, both to appreciate and use for energy. Many are working with top solar installers to get panels on their roofs. With all the options to choose from in this vibrant community, you might feel burnt out searching for a great contractor. Discover Hackensack's best solar companies and learn essential decision-making tips on this page.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has screened dozens of solar installers near Hackensack, emphasizing the following criteria:

• Customer reviews and feedback: Most Hackensack solar contractors have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio demonstrates 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 care for your system and maximize its performance.
• 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 served the Hackensack community for a decade or longer.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The top solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, offering equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar providers should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer happiness.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home running through blackouts and emergencies, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery storage.
• Lowered energy bills: You can dodge the premium cost of grid-tied power by generating some electricity at home. Plus, many states provide 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 Hackensack 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.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Hackensack

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar system. Here are some essential aspects to bear in mind while shopping for a solar installer.

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 master-level professionals on the team will also handle permit work for the job. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private certifications. Two of the most recognized are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, backed by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.

Cost of Solar Panels in Hackensack

The style of solar panels you choose dictates how much energy you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. 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.

You can also add electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can increase your solar system's performance. Not all solar companies include these extras, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's crucial for you.

You can expect to pay about $17,650 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Hackensack. Check the table in this section to get an idea of the amount Hackensack solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Hackensack

Choosing the right financing option will influence your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include loans, leases, cash payments, and power purchase agreements. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most economical choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the second most effective option. As with a car or home loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for money-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) allows you to pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the solar system and cannot use solar incentives. Look for contractors that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your budget.

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

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, local governments and utilities may have their own rebates and financing plans that could reduce your total cost even more.

Sources

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