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Best 5 Solar Companies in Linden, NJ

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Written By Max Peterson|Last Updated: April 18, 2024

With Linden's clear skies and little rainfall, it's a great area for families and businesses looking to harness the additional sunlight by buying panels from one of the best solar installers. If you're considering going solar, you might be concerned about expensive upfront costs. By partnering with a knowledgeable installer, you'll have both the financial and operational support you need for a smooth transition. In this article, we'll showcase Linden's best solar companies and offer tips for your company choice, so you can find the ideal one for your household.

Best High-Efficiency System
4.8
  • Builds custom, high-efficiency solar systems suited to each home
  • Extensive coverage area throughout the country
  • Offers energy storage and EV charger add-ons
Best Solar Panel Leasing
4.4
  • Provides system monitoring
  • Offers diverse financing options for various budgets
  • Provides EV and solar battery solutions
Best Solar Panel Installation
4.4
  • Offers 7 panel brand options
  • 25-year workmanship warranty
  • Offers battery options

Top Linden Solar Companies

SunPower Logo

SunPower

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4.3/5
Based on 81 customer reviews.

Services Offered

ConsultationBattery StoragePanel Installation

Highlights

  • Free quotes
  • Clear pricing policy
  • Informative resources
300 American Metro Blvd #230, Hamilton Township, NJ 714-787-3800 us.sunpower.com
Sunrun Solar Logo

Sunrun Solar

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4.2/5
Based on 106 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Battery StoragePanel InstallationPermit AssistanceGrid-Tied Solar SystemCleaning And MaintenanceSkilled RepairsConsultation

Highlights

  • Informative resources
  • Clear pricing policy
  • Reliable customer support
10 New Maple Ave, Pine Brook, NJ 833-324-5886 sunrun.com
Advisor Solar Logo

Advisor Solar

4.6/5
Based on 65 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Panel InstallationCleaning And Maintenance

Highlights

  • Reliable customer support
  • Informative resources
20 Commerce Dr #135, Cranford, NJ 800-949-6089 advisorssolar.com
SI Solar Logo

SI Solar

4.6/5
Based on 59 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Panel Installation

Highlights

  • Informative resources
  • Reliable customer support
  • Free quotes
4233 Arthur Kill Rd Suite 2a, Staten Island, NY 844-747-6527 sisolarco.com

More Local Solar Companies

Fusion Solar Energy

User Reviews: 4.5/5 

1059 King Georges Post Rd
Edison, NJ 08837

Alerce Solar

User Reviews: 4.4/5 

78 John Miller Way
Kearny, NJ 07032

New Jersey Sun Tech LLC

User Reviews: 4.2/5 

187 Main St
Woodbridge Township, NJ 07095

Advanced Solar & Energy Solutions

User Reviews: 4.2/5 

1017 New Brunswick Ave
Rahway, NJ 07065

Geoscape Solar

User Reviews: 4.5/5 

30A Vreeland Rd #130
Florham Park, NJ 07932

Green House Solar

User Reviews: 4.2/5 

192 Main St
Madison, NJ 07940

Solar Clean Energy Systems

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

95 Joralemon St
Brooklyn, NY 11201

Brooklyn SolarWorks

User Reviews: 4.5/5 

200 6th St Suite 3G
Brooklyn, NY 11215

Blue Shield Solar

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

2920 Avenue R Suite #165
Brooklyn, NY 11229

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.

Ranking Methodology

We analyzed dozens of Linden solar companies, using the following criteria to select the finest:

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Facts about Linden
Average Max Temp:60°F
Solar Payback Period:14.1 years
Average Daily Sunlight:54%
Homes Powered by Solar:983
Average Annual Energy Bill:$1,422
Solar Power per Capita Percentile:48.0%

Expert Tips By

This Old House empowers homeowners with the knowledge and tools they need to tackle various projects and navigate the complexities of homeownership.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy provides multiple advantages. Let's look at a few of them.

  • Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.
  • Better energy independence: Adding a solar battery storage system lets you have trustworthy energy during grid outages and storms.
  • Lower utility costs: Sourcing some or all of your own electricity will save you money on your electric bills long-term. Plus, some states provide net metering programs that enable you to sell your extra energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Linden Homeowners?

Governments and utility companies often reward homeowners for adopting solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, or other programs you could qualify for.

Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive

Incentive Amount:

100% exemption

Incentive Type: Performance-Based Incentive

Website: njcleanenergy.com

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

Website: njcleanenergy.com

Incentive Amount:

Determined by the market.
In June 2016, SREC traded at an average price of $229.90.

Incentive Type: Other Incentive

Website: pseg.com

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: njcleanenergy.com

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

Website: NJCnjcleaneEnergy.com

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: NJCleanEnergy.com

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

Website: NJCleanEnergy.com

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: njcleanenergy.com

Incentive Amount:

$900,000 or 30% of the cost per project, which ever is less

Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit

Website: ecowatch.com

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 Linden

The more thorough your provider search is, the better your photovoltaic system will ultimately work. Make your choice based on the following important considerations.

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 master-level professionals on the team will also handle permit work for the job. Look for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar industry's most respected trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Linden

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 provide a lower price point but produce less power. 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 need to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your panel array more productive and convenient to use. Not every solar provider provides these extras, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's a priority for you.

If you're a resident of Linden and are considering getting a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could expect to pay about $17,650 for parts and installation. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Solar Panel CostAverage Cost
Solar Monocrystalline$1,140
Solar Polycrystalline$889
Thin-Film$520
Solar Battery$730
Solar Home EV Charger$2,737

Financing Solar Energy in Linden

There are numerous ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include power purchase agreements (PPAs), loans, cash payments, and leases. We suggest making a cash payment or using a solar loan for the highest return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to minimize your total costs. Solar loans are another solid option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a fluctuating rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in specific circumstances. Look for contractors that offer multiple 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 Linden.

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar power systems until the year 2032. City and state officials and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and unique financing solutions that could save you more.

Solar System CapacityEstimated Payback period
1 kW2.8 years
2 kW5.6 years
5 kW14.1 years
10 kW28.2 years

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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Linden

How much money could I save by going solar in Linden?

Most Linden homeowners spend about $1,422 on energy each year. Your costs could drop by $765.21 for each kilowatt you generate after you pay off a solar array.

Is solar energy widely available in Linden?

Yes, solar energy is spreading quickly in Linden. Some homes already generate solar power on-site or through utility grids, and they're supported by a state solar economy with 6225 jobs and counting.

Will a solar PV system improve my Linden home worth?

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 boost your property value by $12,000.

What if I live in a rainy or heavily-wooded

A solar system could still work well in bad weather. Your installer will orient your panels to absorb the most sunlight possible. They might also recommend a battery backup system to keep your system working at its best.

How can I determine my property's solar potential?

To determine your home's solar readiness, nothing substitutes for a comprehensive estimate from a local solar provider. However, you can use the PVWatts tool for a simple solar viability estimate based on public data, including system size, local weather and topography, panel efficiency, and tree cover.

What care do my solar panels need, and how often do they need it?

To protect your solar system's efficiency, inspections and cleanings every six months are usually adequate. In dry or dusty seasons, your panels might need cleanings every few months. Your installer can recommend a maintenance schedule. Its team could also do the cleaning for you.

How are a solar lease and PPA different?

After you sign a power purchase agreement, your solar company will not charge to install or maintain 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 set monthly payments.

With both leases and PPAs, you don't own your panels and lose eligibility for some incentives. Further, you'll have to "buy out" or transfer the contract if you sell your home during the term.

What's the difference between a PPA and traditional financing?

A PPA is a contract between you and your provider. They set up, own, and care for the panels, and you purchase the generated electricity from them for 10–25 years. There will usually be options to extend the agreement and buy out early to own your system.

In contrast, solar loans can come from specialty lenders, installer, the government and local banks. You'll need to pass a credit check to qualify for most of them. While the upfront costs are greater, and you'll be responsible for upkeep, you'll also have full ownership rights and can apply for many more incentives.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.

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