Best 5 Solar Companies in Wayne, NJ

With Wayne's clear skies and little rainfall, it's an ideal area for families and businesses looking to harness the extra sunlight by buying panels from one of the best solar installers. Local homeowners might opt for solar to break free of high power costs from sources like natural gas. A knowledgeable solar installer can help you install and adjust a system that fulfills your energy needs without being too expensive. In this article, we'll showcase Wayne's best solar companies and offer tips for your company choice, so you can find the perfect one for your home.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has meticulously studied dozens of solar companies near Wayne, with emphasis on the following criteria:

• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most Wayne solar companies have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar companies should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer happiness.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The premier solar companies keep up with new technology, offering equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Professional licenses and credentials: Each company on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Wayne community for more than a decade.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should use their years of experience answer your questions on how to maintain your system and maximize its performance.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy provides multiple benefits. Here are some highlights.

• Better energy independence: Adding a battery storage system lets you have trustworthy energy during storms and grid outages.
• Lowered energy bills: Solar panels allow you to generate your own energy to power your home, lowering your monthly electricity costs. Going off-grid can eliminate your bills completely. Plus, a significant amount of states have adopted net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
• Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is one of the universe's most abundant clean energy sources, meaning you can reduce or eliminate your home's dependence on non-renewable sources.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Wayne Homeowners?

New Jersey's public agencies and power companies offer several solar incentives to help minimize your solar system costs. Check out a breakdown of applicable solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Wayne

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar system. Make your choice based on the following important considerations.

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

Cost of Solar Panels in Wayne

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. 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 improve your solar system's performance. Not every solar provider includes these optional components, so look for a company that sells them if it's important for you.

A majority of Wayne homeowners select solar systems designed for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $17,650 to install, considering both parts and installation. You can find more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Wayne

Choosing the right financing solution will impact your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include loans, power purchase agreements, cash payments, and leases. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most cost-effective choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. 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 money-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate 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 appropriate in particular circumstances. Ask each installer you're vetting about the payment options it offers. A consultant can help you determine the most suitable option for your financial situation.

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

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new home solar systems purchased through 2032. Further 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