Best 5 Solar Companies in Union, NJ

Union homeowners are increasingly using solar panels to produce their electricity and heat their water. Local homeowners might opt for solar to break free of high power costs from sources like natural gas. A professional team can help you set up and adjust a system that matches your energy needs without costing a fortune. On this page, we'll show you Union's top solar companies and provide insightful advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has carefully researched dozens of solar contractors near Union, with emphasis on the following criteria:

• Reviews and feedback from customers: Most Union solar companies have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should utilize their years of experience address your questions on how to care for your system and improve its performance.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The leading solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, offering equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Experience and professional licensure: Each provider 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 Union community for a decade or longer.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar contractors should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer happiness.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy offers multiple advantages. Here are some highlights.

• Lowered energy bills: You can dodge the premium cost of grid-tied power by creating some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back for credits on your bill.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Adopting solar is a surefire way to lower your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
• Better energy independence: Adding a battery backup or storage system lets you have dependable energy during grid outages and storms.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Union Homeowners?

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

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Union

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar energy system. Consider all of these factors in your company search.

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 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 credentials. Two of the most prestigious are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer 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 Union

Your photovoltaic panels' style will affect how much electricity you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.

You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can boost your solar system's efficiency. Not every solar contractor offers these add-ons, so look for a company that sells them if it's important for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in Union

Choosing the optimal financing plan will impact your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include leases, loans, cash payments, and power purchase agreements. We recommend paying with cash or using a solar loan for the best 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 own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to reduce 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 monthly installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases let you use your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, much like an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Ask each company you're evaluating about the payment options it offers. A salesperson can help you determine the best option for your pocketbook.

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

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

Sources

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