Best 5 Solar Companies in West Orange, NJ

With West Orange's clear skies and little rainfall, it's a perfect area for homeowners and businesses looking to harness the extra sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar companies. Local homeowners might consider solar to break free of high power costs from sources like natural gas. A knowledgeable solar installer can help you set up and optimize a system that meets your energy needs without breaking the bank. On this page, we'll highlight West Orange's premier solar contractors and provide expert advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

We assessed dozens of West Orange solar providers, using the following criteria to select the best:

• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most West Orange solar contractors have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
• Panel brands and quality: The premier solar companies keep up with new technology, providing equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.
• Certifications and licenses: Each provider on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have served the West Orange community for over 15 years.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should tap into their years of experience address your questions on how to maintain your system and improve its performance.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar providers should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each installer responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home powered through blackouts and emergencies, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery storage.
• Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is a highly abundant clean energy source, meaning you can lower or beat your home's dependence on "traditional" sources.
• Lowered energy bills: With solar energy systems, you produce power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-tied power. You can eliminate your bills completely if you go off-grid. Plus, a significant number of states have adopted net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to West Orange Homeowners?

New Jersey's public agencies and power companies offer a number of solar incentives to help offset your solar system costs. Here is a breakdown of eligible solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in West Orange

The cost and performance of solar panels often rely on the provider that mounted them. Consider each of these elements 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 a master plumber for piping work and an electrician for wiring work. The master-level professionals on the team will also pull permits for the job. Solar providers can also obtain accreditations from trade groups and standards organizations. The most prestigious 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 West Orange

Your photovoltaic panels' style will impact how much power you can generate. 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 have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

If you'd like to charge an electric car or use your solar power in dark weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more efficient and user-friendly. Not every solar contractor provides these add-ons, so look for a provider that sells them if it's important for you.

Most West Orange homeowners opt for solar systems sized for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $17,650 to install, considering both parts and installation. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in West Orange

Solar installers offer multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar loans, solar leases and cash payments. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they help you avoid paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Much like a home or car loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee 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 will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in particular circumstances. Ask each provider you're evaluating 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 West Orange.

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new residential solar equipment purchased through 2032. Additional 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