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Best 5 Solar Companies in Jackson, NJ
The best solar company in Jackson is SunPower.
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- Updated 2024-04-18 00:00:00
Jackson residents are intentional about safeguarding the planet and practicing eco-friendly lifestyles. That's why many homeowners are purchasing panels from the best solar installers for their homes. While going solar comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $780 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional installer can help you select the best panels to maximize your savings. Discover Jackson's top-rated solar companies and learn essential decision-making advice on this page.
5 Best Solar Companies in Jackson
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.
PowerLutions Solar
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Ranking Methodology
Our team has carefully researched dozens of solar installers near Jackson, keeping in mind the following criteria:
- Panel brands and quality: The top solar companies remain current on new technology, providing equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
- Certifications and credentials: Each company on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Jackson community for a decade or longer.
- Reviews and feedback from customers: Most Jackson solar installers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
- Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should tap into their years of experience answer your questions on how to look after your system and optimize its performance.
- Service offerings and warranties: Solar contractors should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer happiness.
Facts about Jackson
- Average Max Temperature:61°F
- Solar Payback Period:16 years
- Average Daily Sunlight:57%
- Homes Powered by Solar:1,365
- Average Annual Energy Bill:$1,059
- Solar Power per Capita:99.1%
Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides several 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, decreasing your monthly electricity costs. You can eliminate your bills completely if you go off-grid. Plus, a significant number of states offer net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Utilizing solar is a surefire way to lower your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
- Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with battery storage systems operate through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the power grid for your safety and well-being.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Jackson Homeowners?
Governments and utility companies often reward 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: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 Jackson
The more thorough your company investigation is, the better your solar panels will ultimately work. Make your choice based on the following crucial aspects.
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 experienced professionals on the team will also handle permit work for the job. Solar companies can also obtain accreditations from standards organizations and trade groups. The most prestigious ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.
Cost of Solar Panels in Jackson
The style of solar panels you choose determines how much power you can generate. 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 meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.
Additional system add-ons, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will raise your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar provider provides these optional components, so look for a provider that installs them if it's crucial for you.
If you're a resident of Jackson and are looking into a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could expect to pay about $17,650 for materials and labor. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,085.36 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $846.58 |
Thin-Film | $494.92 |
Solar Battery | $694.63 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,604.86 |
Financing Solar Energy in Jackson
Choosing the right financing plan will influence your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include power purchase agreements, leases, cash payments, and loans. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most cost-effective choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a car loan or mortgage, 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 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 advise against these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in certain circumstances. We recommend working with a provider 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 financial plan.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Jackson.
A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to recently-purchased solar equipment purchased through 2032. Additional incentives may be available through city and state governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.
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 Jackson
Most Jackson homeowners spend about $1,059 on energy each year. Your costs could drop by $778.85 for each kilowatt you generate after you pay off a solar array.
Yes, solar energy is readily available in Jackson. A growing number of area homes already use solar power on-site or through utility grids, and New Jersey has about 6225 jobs comprising its solar economy.
Yes, new solar systems translate to 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.
To determine your home's solar readiness, there's no substitute for a comprehensive quote from a local solar provider. However, you can use the PVWatts tool for a simple solar viability prediction based on public data, including tree cover, panel efficiency, local weather and topography, and system size.
Modern solar panels are designed for durability. The average model provides 25 years of reliable power. Budget panels tend to last shorter than top-tier models.
To protect your solar system's efficiency, inspections and cleanings every six months are usually adequate. In dusty or dry seasons, your panels might need cleanings every few months. Your technician can recommend a maintenance schedule. Its team could also do the cleaning for you.
While many online reviews are positive, even the best solar companies might have unhappy customers. You should know these early red flags for the best odds of an exemplary job:
- Aggressive sales pitch
- Dodging questions about warranties, references, credentials and training and cost
- Limited or no customization
- Not thoroughly inspecting your site
- Limited customer feedback
After you sign a PPA, your solar provider will not charge to set up and take care of your new panel array. Instead, you'll pay them only for the electricity you generate. Typically, PPAs last for 10–25 years or until you "buy out" of the contract.
If you choose a lease, you'll make fixed payments each month.
With both leases and PPAs, you do not own your panels and lose eligibility for most incentives. Further, you'll have to "buy out" or transfer the contract if you sell your home during the term.
Sources
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