Best 5 Solar Companies in Plainfield, NJ

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Plainfield

The purchase price and performance of solar panels often hinge on the provider that installed them. Consider each of these criteria in your contractor search.

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 pull permits for the job. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private credentials. Two of the most recognized are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, backed 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 Plainfield

Your photovoltaic panels' model will affect how much power you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

You can also add electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can improve your solar system's efficiency. Not all solar contractors provide these extras, so look for a provider that installs them if it's crucial for you.

A majority of Plainfield homeowners select solar systems rated for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $17,650 to set up, considering both parts and installation. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Plainfield

Choosing the right financing solution will influence your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include power purchase agreements, cash payments, leases, and loans. We advise making a cash payment or securing 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 have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to cut your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still benefiting from 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 variable 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 suitable in certain circumstances. We recommend working with a contractor that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each agent about what's available, and get more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your spending limits.

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

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on the full cost of the solar system, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Local governments and utilities might also offer their own financing programs, rebates, and incentives that could save you more money.