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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 Maplewood. 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 Maplewood, New Jersey, requires a solar installer that is certified, skilled and experienced. To help you find the perfect team, we’ve put together a list of the top solar companies in Maplewood.
Prior to choosing an installer, get referrals, vet potential installers and obtain multiple quotes to find the best company for you. You can go with a local Maplewood solar company or use a well-known national brand.
Although solar panels call for a significant upfront investment, you can reduce your energy bills over the long term. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), transitioning to solar energy enables Maplewood homeowners to save $680 on average each year.
The offerings from different solar technicians vary. Take the time to compare companies and get quotes before you schedule your solar panel installation.
Seek out Maplewood solar companies with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and comparable customer review platforms. The company should also have a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Reviewing previous customer reviews will provide a sense of how other homeowners viewed the company, so take note if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
Even areas with variable sun amounts, including rainier and cloudier places such as Maplewood, can still use solar panels. Key reasons to adopt solar are:
Based on a survey we did in October 2023, the typical cost of upgrading to solar panels across the country is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation varies based on several factors, such as where you live, availability of sunlight, roof alignment, shading, system size and labor. Expect to pay more if you opt for add-ons like batteries, animal guards or solar trackers.
According to numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NASA and the EIA, solar panel installation in Maplewood has a typical cost of $11,692.
Installing solar panels means substantial spending upfront, but you can make those costs back through big reductions in your energy bills down the line.
After transitioning fully to solar power, Maplewood homeowners typically see cost savings. However, recouping the initial investment requires time, and elements like rain and tree shade impact the timeline for realizing returns on your solar investment.
Adopting solar not only saves money but also reduces your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the estimated CO2 emission reductions attainable by going solar.
Experts Ready to Help
Homeowners in Maplewood can be eligible for several solar incentives. Some are available statewide for all New Jersey residents, and others are based on your city, utility company and municipality.
Available solar incentives to New Jersey homeowners, per DSIRE, include:
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. |
Consider these questions before hiring a solar installation expert.
Your solar panel system's size hinges on your home's energy consumption and the system's production capacity. Bigger households use more electricity and might require more substantial solar installations. An undersized system could struggle to fully energize your house.
Your solar installation project might be subject to relevant codes and permit requirements by your state. You'll need to apply for the required permits from your local building department, as well as set up an inspection.
Not all residences get equal amounts of sunlight. Area tree cover, precipitation levels and extreme weather can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn't get adequate sun, it may require extra panels with higher wattage.
Many solar panel systems feature a solar battery. Solar batteries store extra energy, which can be vital for preventing power loss during storms. Opting for battery storage could increase the overall expense.
There are several solar panel types available, with differences in efficiency, life expectancy and design. These aspects impact not just the cost, but also how often panels will need to be replaced and the space needed on your roof.
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.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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