Best 5 Solar Companies in Piscataway, NJ

Piscataway homeowners are fortunate to live in ample sunlight, both to bask in and harness as energy. Many are working with top solar companies to get panels on their roofs. If you're thinking about going solar, you might be worried about high prices or long payback periods. By working with a experienced installer, you'll have both the economic and operational support you need for a smooth transition. Discover Piscataway's best solar companies and learn essential decision-making strategies on this page.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has researched dozens of solar installers near Piscataway, concentrating on the following criteria:

• Experience and professional licensure: Each provider on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Piscataway community for over 15 years.
• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should use their years of experience answer your questions on how to care for your system and optimize its performance.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar companies should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer happiness.
• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most Piscataway solar contractors have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The leading solar companies keep up with new technology, providing equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy offers several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is one of the universe's most abundant clean energy sources, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on fossil fuels.
• Smaller power bills: Generating some or all of your own power will spend less on electricity long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that allow you to sell your unused energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.
• Better energy independence: Adding a battery backup or storage system lets you have dependable energy during storms and grid outages.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Piscataway Homeowners?

New Jersey homeowners who choose solar could qualify for rebates, special financing, tax credits and reimbursements. Here are just a few of the area's incentive offerings.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Piscataway

The purchase price and effectiveness of solar panels often rely on the provider that mounted them. Make your choice based on the following key 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 liaise with your local government and utility on permit matters. Solar companies can also obtain certifications 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 Piscataway

The type of solar panels you purchase dictates how much energy 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 recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.

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 add-ons, so look for a provider that installs them if it's a priority for you.

Most Piscataway homeowners opt for solar systems rated for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $17,650 to install, considering both materials and labor. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Piscataway

Choosing the optimal financing option will influence your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include leases, power purchase agreements, cash payments, and loans. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they help you avoid 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. Much like an auto or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases let you use your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, akin 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. Look for companies that offer several payment plans to find the right fit for your budget.

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

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, utilities and local governments may have their own rebates and financing plans that could reduce your total cost even more.

Sources

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