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Best 5 Solar Companies in Monroe, NJ
The best solar company in Monroe is SunPower.
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- Updated 2024-04-18 00:00:00
With Monroe's clear skies and below-average rainfall, it's an excellent area for families and businesses aiming to harness the extra sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar companies. Local homeowners might consider solar to break free of high power costs from sources like natural gas. An experienced solar contractor can help you set up and tune a system that matches your energy needs without being too expensive. Discover Monroe's top-rated solar companies and learn important decision-making advice on this page.
5 Best Solar Companies in Monroe
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.
Ray Energy Solar
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Ranking Methodology
Our team has screened dozens of solar contractors near Monroe, keeping in mind the following criteria:
- Customer feedback and reviews: Most Monroe solar contractors have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio indicates a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
- Warranty and service offerings: Solar installers should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each provider 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.
- Experience and professional licensure: Each company on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Monroe community for more than a decade.
- Panel quality and brand offerings: The leading solar companies remain current on new technology, providing equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
Facts about Monroe
- Average Max Temperature:61°F
- Solar Payback Period:17 years
- Average Daily Sunlight:54%
- Homes Powered by Solar:1,050
- Average Annual Energy Bill:$1,059
- Solar Power per Capita:94.4%
Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy comes with multiple advantages. Let's look at a few of them.
- Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home powered through blackouts and emergencies, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery backup system.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Adopting solar is a surefire way to minimize your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
- Smaller power bills: Sourcing some or all of your own power will save you money on your electric bills long-term. Plus, some states provide net metering programs that allow you to sell your unused energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Monroe Homeowners?
Governments and power companies often reward homeowners for embracing 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:Other Incentive
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 Monroe
The purchase price and efficacy of solar panels often depend on the solar company that installed them. Make your choice based on the following essential elements.
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 pull permits for the job. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private credentials. Two of the most prestigious are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, awarded 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 Monroe
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.
You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can enhance your solar system's efficiency. Not every solar company includes these optional components, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's essential for you.
If you're a resident of Monroe and want a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could expect to pay about $17,650 for parts and installation. See more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,203.57 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $938.79 |
Thin-Film | $548.83 |
Solar Battery | $770.29 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,888.57 |
Financing Solar Energy in Monroe
Solar companies offer multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar loans and cash payments. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand 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. Like a home or car loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to rent your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and do not provide you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. We recommend working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each salesperson about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your financial plan.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Monroe.
You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy equipment until the year 2032. Local and state governments and utility companies might also offer rebates, discounts, and dedicated financing plans that could save you more.
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 Monroe
On average, Monroe homeowners pay roughly $1,059 per year on energy bills. Once you pay off your solar array, you could reduce your costs by $727.23 per kilowatt you produce.
Yes, solar energy is gaining popularity in Monroe. Some homes already benefit from solar power on-site or through utility grids, and they're fortified by a state solar economy with 6225 workers and counting.
Yes, a solar PV system will boost your property value. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, for every dollar you reduce on energy bills, your home value rises by $20. So, if your panels save you $600 per year on energy costs, your property could appreciate $12,000.
Even with Monroe's above-average tree cover, you could still take advantage of solar energy. Your contractor will maximize your system's performance by choosing the proper site for panels, installing a battery backup system, positioning them to capture the most sunlight throughout the year, and cleaning them regularly. This way, you can store solar power and use it as necessary.
The average Monroe solar system size is 4.7 kilowatts (kW). However, your final system size depends on your home's power consumption. Your surrounding shading, roof size, and panel model could also impact your final result. A professional solar installer will consider these factors and determine the right array size for your home.
Most Monroe homeowners pay back a solar loan in 17.0 years. You can shorten the payback period by paying off extra loan principal each month.
The main differences between a PPA and traditional financing are that you pay a fluctuating monthly rate based on your energy usage and don't own your system. Your service provider installs and maintains the panels, and you pay for the generated electricity for 10–25 years. Afterward, you can continue the contract or purchase the system outright.
You might look into a PPA if you don’t want to be responsible for maintaining your panels and don’t want to invest in a system, but keep in mind you won’t be paying toward ownership or be able to access any cost-saving solar incentives. Many solar experts don’t recommend PPAs. Our guide covers other payment options above.
Yes, we suggest requesting free solar quotes from three or more companies. You should examine each quote and compare prework scope and costs, equipment costs, financing options, labor fees and warranty details. Ensure each quote provides an itemized financial plan and includes your anticipated payback period.
Sources
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