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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 Ocean. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
To perform a high-quality solar panel installation in Ocean, New Jersey, you'll need a properly certified, qualified and experienced solar installer. We've put together a list of the top solar companies in Ocean to help you select the right one.
Before choosing an installer, ask others for recommendations, evaluate potential installers and obtain multiple quotes to find the ideal company for your requirements. You can look for a local solar company in Ocean or pick an established national brand.
While solar panels require a significant upfront investment, you can lower your energy bills over the long term. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), transitioning to solar energy enables Ocean homeowners to save $650 on average each year.
The services from different solar technicians aren't all the same. Be sure to compare companies and get quotes before you set up your solar panel installation.
Focus on Ocean solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars based on customer commentary on Google Reviews and similar sites. Make sure the company has a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) when selecting a solar company.
Looking at previous customer reviews will provide a sense of how other homeowners viewed the company, so be wary 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.
Places with differing amounts of sun, including those with more rain or cloud coverage like Ocean, can still utilize solar energy. Here are the top reasons for adopting solar power:
Based on a survey we did in October 2023, the median cost of installing solar panels across the country is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation is influenced by your shading, roof orientation, sunlight availability, labor costs, system size and area. Choosing bonus features such as solar trackers, animal guards or batteries will increase the overall cost.
As per numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NASA and the EIA, solar panel installation in Ocean has a typical cost of $11,170.
Installing solar panels requires considerable spending upfront, but you can make those costs back through big reductions in your energy bills down the road.
Homeowners in Ocean who transition fully to solar energy can anticipate saving money. However, it takes time to recover 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.
In addition to monetary savings, moving to solar energy reduces your carbon footprint and environmental impact. We've calculated the approximated CO2 emission reductions you can realize by going solar based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Experts Ready to Help
Ocean homeowners can benefit from various solar incentives. Particular programs are available statewide to all New Jersey residents, whereas others vary based on municipality, utility company and city.
Here are solar incentives accessible for New Jersey residents, according to 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. |
Take time to consider these questions prior to hiring a professional solar panel installation company.
The right solar system size for you is based on how much energy your household needs, as well as the system's energy production ratio. More energy-intensive households often need bigger solar setups. If the system isn't big enough, it may fail to generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Required permits and local or state laws could influence your solar project. Be sure to obtain necessary permits through your local building department and arrange an inspection.
Not all residences get the same levels of sunlight. Area tree cover, precipitation levels and harsh weather can impact sunlight amounts. If your home doesn't get enough sun, it may require extra panels with higher wattage.
Many solar panel systems offer a battery. Solar batteries store extra power, which is particularly beneficial when you want to prevent power loss in a storm. Installing battery storage may increase the overall expense.
You have options among solar panel types, as they differ in design, efficiency and life expectancy. These elements influence cost, when you'll need to swap panels and space used 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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