Best 10 Solar Companies in Paterson, NJ

With Paterson's clear skies and little rainfall, it's a great area for families and businesses hoping to harness the added sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar companies. 3,386 homes in the area already employ a solar PV or water heating system. Certified installers will therefore have the precise experience you need to jump on the solar trend with confidence. Discover Paterson's top-rated solar companies and learn vital decision-making tips on this page.

Ranking Methodology

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

• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should tap into their years of experience address your questions on how to maintain your system and optimize its performance.
• Professional licenses and credentials: Each contractor on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Paterson community for a decade or longer.
• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most Paterson solar installers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio demonstrates a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The premier solar companies remain current on new technology, providing equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar companies 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 satisfaction.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy offers numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Better energy independence: Adding a battery backup or storage system lets you have reliable energy during storms and grid outages.
• Lowered energy bills: You can avoid the expensive cost of grid-tied power by generating some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to credit part of your bill.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power reduces your dependence on conventional, less environmentally-friendly sources.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Paterson Homeowners?

The state of New Jersey offers a range of solar incentives to help cut your solar system costs. Here is a breakdown of relevant solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Paterson

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar array. Consider each of these criteria in your contractor search.

Licensing and Training

Licensing requirements mean that your New Jersey solar installation team may have a variety of different professionals, including a master plumber for piping work and an electrician for wiring work. The most experienced 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 Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional 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 Paterson

The style of solar panels you purchase determines how much energy you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. 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 the best for large residential installations, but they are excellent accessories for non-traditional roofs.

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 efficiency. Not all solar providers provide these add-ons, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's essential for you.

If you're a resident of Paterson and want a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could expect to pay about $17,650 for materials and labor. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Paterson

Choosing the correct financing solution will influence your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include power purchase agreements, cash payments, leases, and loans. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments require a large up-front sum, but they save you from 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. Like a home or auto loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to use your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, akin to 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. We suggest working with an installer that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each salesperson about what's available, and obtain more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your financial plan.

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

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new residential solar equipment purchased through 2032. Further incentives may be available through local 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