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10 best solar companies in Berkeley, New Jersey
Josephine NesbitHome improvement writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
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We've ranked the top 10 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Berkeley. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
High-quality solar panel installation in Berkeley, New Jersey requires you to find a solar installer with the right certification, skills and experience. We've assembled a list of the highest-rated solar companies in Berkeley to help you find the right installer.
Before settling on an installer, ask others for suggestions, screen the installers you're considering and obtain quotes from multiple companies to find the one that is the best fit for your needs. You can choose a local solar company in Berkeley or opt for an established national brand.
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
Although solar panels need a substantial initial investment, you can reduce your energy bills in the long term by making the switch. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), switching to solar energy enables Berkeley homeowners to save a yearly average of around $680.
Not every solar company provides the same offerings. Before arranging your solar panel installation, compare different companies' offerings and get quotes from each.
Find the top solar company for you in Berkeley
When evaluating Berkeley solar companies, find those with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on sites like Google Reviews and similar platforms, as well as a positive reputation on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Browse reviews to understand other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and watch for frequent bad reviews.
SunPower
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Kamtech Solar Solutions
Services offered
Highlights
- Informative resources
- Free quotes
Brilliant Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Supreme Solar Services
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Sunpurity
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
NJ Solar Power, LLC
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Boundless, Inc.
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
PowerLutions Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Solar Medix
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Solar X - Solar Maintenance Professionals
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
More providers
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
GenRenew
Reliable Power & Solar
Public Service Solar, LLC
Sun Up Zero Down
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Berkeley?
Regions with variable sunshine, including those with more rain or clouds like Berkeley, can still benefit from solar energy. A few key motivations to go solar include these:
- Save on energy bills: Moving to solar allows you to cut your energy bills. Electricity from solar panels takes the place of the utility-supplied power you'd normally buy.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can power electric vehicles using solar power at home. This is the optimal way to verify your electric vehicle is powered by renewable energy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Adopting solar panels shrinks your carbon footprint by conserving fossil fuels that would otherwise be consumed to operate your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), power generation ranks among the top contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
Facts about Berkeley
Monthly Energy Spending Per Capita
Clear Sky Days Per Year
Annual Solar Savings Per kW
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Berkeley?
Based on the results of our survey carried out in October 2023, the median cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels depends on factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof alignment, shading, system size and labor. The price rises if you pick any add-ons like batteries, solar trackers or animal guards.
Based on numbers from NASA, the EIA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), solar panel installation in Berkeley has a typical cost of $10,964.
How much can you save by going solar in Berkeley?
Although installing solar panels requires a substantial investment to start, you can see considerable savings on your energy bills in the long term.
Money savings in Berkeley from going solar
After transitioning fully to solar power, Berkeley homeowners typically see cost savings. However, recouping the initial investment requires time, and things like rain and tree shade affect the timeline for realizing returns on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The typical payback period refers to how long it takes a solar panel system to recoup its initial investment through energy savings. According to our analysis using data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA, Berkeley's average payback period for solar is 16 years.
- Annual solar savings in Berkeley: Berkeley homeowners can anticipate saving about $677 annually on average by switching to solar power, according to our analysis of data from the EIA, the Department of Energy and NASA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Based on our data from the EIA and NASA, if you make the full switch to solar energy, you can anticipate saving around $8,311 over a 25-year period.
Energy savings in Berkeley from going solar
Beyond cost savings, transitioning to solar power also decreases your carbon footprint and lowers your environmental impact. Provided below are the projected CO2 emission reductions you can expect from solar energy, as determined by our analysis of data from NASA and the EPA.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 58 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 1450 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Berkeley?
There are a number of solar incentives open to homeowners in Berkeley. Various programs extend to all New Jersey residents, while others are determined by your city, utility company and municipality.
The following solar incentives are available for New Jersey residents, as listed in DSIRE:
| Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
|---|---|
Sales Tax Incentive Solar Energy Sales Tax Exemption | 100% exemption |
Performance-Based Incentive Successor Solar Incentive (SuSI) Program | Net-Metered Residential: $90/SREC-II Small Net-Metered Non-Residential located on Rooftop, Carport, Canopy and Floating Solar Projects smaller than 1 MW (dc): $100/SREC-II, $120 for public entities Projects 1 MW to 5 MW (dc): $90/SREC-II, $110 for public entities Net Metered Non-Residential Ground Mount Projects smaller than 1 MW (dc): $85/SREC-II, $105 for public entities Projects 1 MW to 5 MW (dc): $80/SREC-II, $100 for public entities Community Solar LMI: $90/SREC-II Community Solar Non-LMI: $70/SREC-II |
Property Tax Incentive Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems | 100% of value added by renewable system |
Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) Registration Program | Determined by the market. In June 2016, SREC traded at an average price of $229.90. |
Rebate Program NJ Clean Energy- Residential New Construction Program | Incentives depend on the HERS score and the classification Single family homes: Ranges from $1,125 to - 24,250 Multi-single homes: Ranges from $1,125 to $18,188 Multifamily homes: Ranges from $625-$12,125 |
Rebate Program Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program | Rebates Single family : $2,000 to $4,000 Multi-family : $500-$1,500 per unit Rebates for single family and multi-family should not exceed 50% of the cost of the measures used to calculate total estimated savings (TES) See table below for details Loans Single-family: $5,000 (Tier II) or $10,000 (Tier III)4.99% interest loans up to $15,000 (where utility 0% financing is unavailable) |
Rebate Program COOLAdvantage Program | Central AC: Tier 1 $300(Tier 1), $500 (Tier 2) Ductless Mini Split A/C or Heat Pump: $500 Air Source Heat Pump: $300 (Tier 1), $500(Tier 2) Geothermal Heat Pump: $500 |
Rebate Program NJ Clean Energy- WARMAdvantage Program (Electric and Gas) | Residential Electric Customers (including municipal utility customers): Solar Hot Water Heater: $1,200 Heat Pump Water Heater: $500 Geothermal Heat Pump: $500 Air-Source or Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump: $300- $500 Residential Gas Customers (including propane): Gas Furnace: $250- $500 Gas Boiler: $300 Gas Water Heater: $300 Solar Hot Water Heater: $1,200 Oil Heating Customers: Oil Furnace: $250 Oil Boiler: $300 Combination Rebate Boiler and Water Heater Combination Rebate: $700 Furnace and Water Heater Combination Rebate: $700- $950 |
Rebate Program New Jersey Renewable Energy Incentive Program (Sustainable Biopower) | $900,000 or 30% of the cost per project, which ever is less |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a Berkeley solar installer?
When selecting a professional solar panel installation company, first review these important questions.
What size system do you need?
Your solar panel system's size is contingent upon your home's energy consumption and the system's production capacity. Larger homes use more electricity and will potentially require bigger solar setups. An undersized system could struggle to fully energize your house.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Specific permits and state or local laws could affect your solar project. You’ll need to obtain the required permits through your local building department and arrange an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not every house gets the same sun exposure. Local tree coverage, rainfall and extreme weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks enough sunlight, you may need extra panels with increased wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
Many solar panel systems include a battery. Solar batteries store extra power, which is especially useful when you want to avoid power loss when there's no sunshine. Installing battery storage may increase the installation cost.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You have options among solar panel types, as they vary in efficiency, life expectancy and design. These elements influence cost, how soon you'll need to swap panels and the amount of roof area you'll need.
Our methodology for selecting solar companies
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
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