Best 5 Solar Companies in South Brunswick, NJ

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in South Brunswick

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and cost-efficient solar array. Here are some key items to keep in mind while shopping for a solar installer.

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 master-level professionals on the team will also handle permit work for the job. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private credentials. 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 South Brunswick

The kind of solar panels you purchase dictates how much electricity you can produce. 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 the best for large residential installations, but they are excellent accessories for non-traditional roofs.

Additional components, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will add to your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar contractor includes these optional components, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's crucial for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in South Brunswick

Solar providers use multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar loans, solar leases and cash payments. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most affordable choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the next best option. As with a car loan or mortgage, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for cost-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) permits you to pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, like an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the solar system and cannot use solar incentives. Look for installers that offer two or more payment plans to find the right fit for your financial needs.

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

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new residential solar equipment purchased through 2032. Further incentives may be available through city and state governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.