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10 best solar companies in Clifton, 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 Clifton. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
Top-quality solar panel installation in Clifton, New Jersey, requires you to hire a solar technician that is certified, qualified and experienced. To guide your search for the right installer, we've compiled a list of the highest-ranking solar companies in Clifton.
Before deciding on an installer, request recommendations from others, review the installers you're considering and get quotes from multiple companies to find the one that is the best fit for your needs. You can select a local solar company in Clifton or pick a well-known national brand.
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
Although solar panels require a large 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), adopting solar energy allows Clifton homeowners to save a yearly average of around $710.
Various solar companies offer different services. Make sure to compare each company and get quotes from all before booking your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Clifton
When looking into Clifton solar companies, look for those with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on sites like Google Reviews and similar platforms, as well as a good reputation on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
You should read through past customer reviews to get insight into other homeowners' thoughts about the company. Take note of repeated negative feedback as a potential red flag.
SunPower
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Kamtech Solar Solutions
Services offered
Highlights
- Free quotes
- Informative resources
SunPower by New York State Solar Farm
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Green Mountain Energy
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Alerce Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Informative resources
- Free quotes
- Reliable customer support
Phoenix Energy
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Nexamp
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Robinhood Solar Group
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Infinity Energy
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
PaneltheEarth LLC
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.
Brooklyn SolarWorks
Geoscape Solar
Advisor Solar
PosiGen
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Clifton?
Even areas with fluctuating sun amounts, including rainier and overcast places such as Clifton, can still see the benefits of solar panels. Major reasons to adopt solar are:
- Reduce environmental impact: Adopting solar reduces your carbon footprint by decreasing the use of fossil fuels that would be needed to power your home. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that electricity production is one of the largest drivers of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Charge an electric vehicle: Solar energy gives you the ability to fuel electric cars at your house. Leveraging your own power is the optimal way to ensure your electric vehicle operates on renewable energy.
- Save on energy bills: Switching to solar can help lower your electricity bills. Solar panel systems generate power to substitute for the electricity you would have otherwise bought from the utility company.
Facts about Clifton
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 Clifton?
Our survey from October 2023 showed that the national median price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation is impacted by your system size, shading, sunlight availability, area, labor costs and roof orientation. Choosing extras such as solar trackers, batteries or animal guards will raise the overall cost.
Based on statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the EIA and NASA the average expense to install solar panels in Clifton is $11,798.
How much can you save by going solar in Clifton?
Solar panel installation is a major initial investment, but you can expect to see considerable savings reflected in your energy bills with time.
Money savings in Clifton from going solar
Homeowners in Clifton who transition fully to solar energy can expect to save money. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and things such as rainfall and tree coverage affect the time it takes to see returns on your investment in solar panels.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the length of time required for a solar panel system to recoup its upfront cost through energy bill savings. Based on our calculations, which leverage data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA, Clifton's standard solar payback period is 16 years.
- Annual solar savings in Clifton: Based on calculations that leverage data from NASA, the EIA and the Department of Energy, Clifton homeowners save around $714 per year with solar energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Based on our data from NASA and the EIA, if you make the full switch to solar energy, you can expect to save approximately $8,592 over a 25-year period.
Energy savings in Clifton from going solar
Switching to solar not only saves money but also reduces your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the projected CO2 emission reductions achievable by going solar.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 54 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 1350 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Clifton?
Clifton homeowners can take advantage of various solar incentives. Certain programs are offered statewide to all New Jersey residents, whereas others differ based on city, utility company and municipality.
Per the DSIRE, here are the solar incentives offered to New Jersey residents:
| 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. |
Other Incentive PSE&G - Solar Loan Program | See Website |
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 Clifton solar installer?
Consider the following before hiring a professional solar panel installation company.
What size system do you need?
Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio influence the appropriate panel system size for you. More expansive houses tend to use more power and will potentially need bigger solar panel systems. An undersized system faces the risk of inadequate energy generation to completely power your home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Required permits and local or state codes could influence your solar project. Be sure to secure necessary permits through your local building department and schedule an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not every house gets the same amount of sun. Trees, rainfall and harsh weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks sufficient sunlight, you may need more panels with increased wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
For extra power storage, many panel systems feature a solar battery. This feature is essential during storms and helps to prevent power loss. However, adding battery storage can result in higher installation costs.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
Multiple solar panel varieties are available, each varying in life expectancy, design and efficiency. These factors impact pricing, the rate of panel replacement and space taken on your roof.
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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