Best 5 Solar Companies in Toms River, NJ

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Toms River

The more comprehensive your company research is, the better your solar panels will ultimately perform. Consider each of these aspects in your service provider search.

Licensing and Training

Licensing requirements mean that your New Jersey solar installation team will likely have a variety of different professionals, including a master plumber for piping work and an electrician for wiring 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 PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, granted 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 Toms River

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 increase your solar system's efficiency. Not every solar company offers these additional features, so look for a provider that installs them if it's a priority for you.

You can expect to pay about $17,650 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Toms River. Use the table in this section to get an idea of what amount Toms River solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Toms River

Choosing the right financing plan will influence your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include leases, loans, power purchase agreements, and cash payments. We suggest 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 minimize 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 enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the panels and cannot use solar incentives. Look for installers that offer multiple 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 Toms River.

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 financing plans and rebates that could reduce your total cost even more.