Best 5 Solar Companies in Washington, NJ

With Washington's clear skies and below-average rainfall, it's an excellent area for families and businesses hoping to harness the added sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar installers. While going solar comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $910 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional technician can help you select the best panels to maximize your savings. Discover Washington's best solar companies and learn vital decision-making advice on this page.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has researched dozens of solar providers near Washington, keeping in mind the following criteria:

• Service offerings and warranties: Solar installers should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer happiness.
• Experience and professional licensure: Each installer on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Washington community for more than a decade.
• Customer feedback and reviews: Most Washington solar providers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio indicates a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should utilize their years of experience answer your questions on how to maintain your system and maximize its performance.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The premier solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, providing equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy provides multiple advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Reduced carbon footprint: Adopting solar is a surefire way to minimize your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
• Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with battery backups and storage systems work through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on the electrical grid for your safety and comfort.
• Lowered energy bills: You can avoid the added cost of grid-tied power by generating some electricity at home. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back for credits on your bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Washington Homeowners?

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

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Washington

The price and efficacy of solar panels often depend on the provider that installed them. Make your choice based on the following crucial aspects.

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 liaise with your local government and utility on permit matters. Solar providers can also earn certifications from standards organizations and trade groups. The most recognized ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Washington

The style of solar panels you purchase determines 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.

You can also add electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can increase your solar system's efficiency. Not every solar provider provides these additional features, so look for a company that sells them if it's crucial for you.

If you're a resident of Washington and want a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could plan to spend about $17,650 for parts and installation. See more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Washington

Choosing the ideal financing solution will affect your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include power purchase agreements, loans, leases, and cash payments. 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 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 involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate based only on 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 providers that offer several 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 Washington.

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