Best 5 Solar Companies in Montclair, NJ

Montclair homeowners are increasingly using solar panels to produce their electricity and heat their water. 900 homes in the area already employ a solar photovoltaic or water heating system. Skilled installers will therefore have the exact experience you need to join the solar bandwagon with confidence. In this guide, we'll show you Montclair's best solar providers and offer suggestions for your company choice, so you can find the ideal one for your home.

Ranking Methodology

We analyzed dozens of Montclair solar providers, using the following criteria to select the superior:

• Service offerings and warranties: Solar contractors should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer happiness.
• 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 care for your system and improve its performance.
• Reviews and feedback from customers: Most Montclair solar installers have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio demonstrates a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
• Professional licenses and credentials: Each installer on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Montclair community for a decade or longer.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The top solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, providing equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Reduced carbon footprint: Utilizing solar is a surefire way to minimize your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
• 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 storage system.
• Lower energy bills: Generating some or all of your own electricity will save you money on your electric bills long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that enable you to sell your unused energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Montclair Homeowners?

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

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Montclair

The more thorough your company investigation is, the better your solar system will ultimately operate. 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 an electrician for wiring work and a master plumber for piping work. The most senior professionals on the team will also liaise with your local government and utility on permit matters. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private certifications. Two of the most recognized 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 Montclair

The type of solar panels you purchase decides how much electricity you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.

You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can increase your solar system's performance. Not all solar providers offer these additional features, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's a priority for you.

If you're a resident of Montclair 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.

Financing Solar Energy in Montclair

Solar installers use multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are cash payments, power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar leases and solar loans. 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. Similar to a home or auto loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) enables you to pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, as with an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the system and cannot use solar incentives. Look for installers that offer two or more payment plans to find the right fit for your pocket.

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

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

Sources

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