Best 5 Solar Companies in Hillsborough, NJ

With Hillsborough's clear skies and little rainfall, it's an excellent area for homeowners and businesses looking to harness the additional sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar installers. Local homeowners might consider solar to break free of high power costs from sources like natural gas. An experienced solar contractor can help you install and optimize a system that fits your energy needs without breaking the bank. Discover Hillsborough's best solar companies and learn vital decision-making tips on this page.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has researched dozens of solar installers near Hillsborough, with emphasis on the following criteria:

• Customer reviews and feedback: Most Hillsborough solar companies have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar providers should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer happiness.
• Panel brands and quality: The premier solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, providing equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Certifications and licenses: Each company on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Hillsborough community for more than a decade.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should use their years of experience answer your questions on how to maintain your system and improve its performance.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy comes with multiple advantages. Here are some highlights.

• Lowered energy bills: With solar panels, you generate power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-tied power. You can eliminate your bills completely if you go off-grid. Plus, a significant number 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 storage system lets you have reliable energy during grid outages and storms.
• Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is one of the universe's most abundant clean energy sources, meaning you can reduce or eliminate your home's dependence on fossil fuels.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Hillsborough Homeowners?

The state of New Jersey offers a variety of solar incentives to help offset your solar system costs. Check out a breakdown of eligible solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Hillsborough

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and valuable solar energy system. 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 experienced professionals on the team will also handle permit work for the job. Solar providers can also pursue certifications from standards organizations and trade groups. The most prestigious 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 Hillsborough

Your photovoltaic panels' type will affect how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

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

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

Financing Solar Energy in Hillsborough

There are many ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will help you decrease overhead. A few of the most common options include power purchase agreements (PPAs), leases, cash payments, and loans. Though it involves 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 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 allow you to pay a monthly rate 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 suitable in particular circumstances. We suggest working with a contractor that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each representative about what's available, and obtain more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your budget.

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

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. Municipal authorities and utilities might also offer their own financing programs, incentives, and rebates 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