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10 best solar companies in Princeton, 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 Princeton. 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 Princeton, New Jersey requires you to find a solar installer with proper certification, skills and experience. We've compiled a list of the highest-rated solar companies in Princeton to help you choose the right installer.
Before hiring an installer, request referrals, evaluate potential installers and request multiple quotes to find the best company for your needs. You can choose a local solar company in Princeton or pick an established national brand.
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
While solar panels are a big upfront investment, you can lower your energy bills over the long run. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that moving to solar energy allows Princeton homeowners to save around $710 per year.
The offerings from different solar technicians vary. Make sure to compare companies and get quotes before you set up your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Princeton
Vet Princeton solar companies with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and comparable customer review platforms. The company should also have a respectable rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Looking at previous customer reviews will provide a sense of how other homeowners felt about the company, so make a note if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
SunPower
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Kamtech Solar Solutions
Services offered
Highlights
- Informative resources
- Free quotes
SunPower Builders
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Public Service Solar, LLC
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Skyline Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Ray Energy Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Exact Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Green Power Energy
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
US Clean Energy
Services offered
Highlights
- Reliable customer support
- Free quotes
Amped On Solar, 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.
SI Solar
Panatec Corporation
Affinity Solar
Solar Energy World
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Princeton?
Places with different sunshine levels, including rainy or cloudy areas like Princeton, can still benefit from solar power. The primary reasons to switch to solar power are:
- Reduce environmental impact: Going solar shrinks your carbon footprint by conserving fossil fuels that would be used to power your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), electricity production is one of the main contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Save on energy bills: You can cut your energy bills by adopting solar energy. Power from solar panels takes the place of the electricity purchased from utility companies.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can power electric vehicles at home using solar panels. This provides the greatest assurance that your electric car is powered by clean, renewable energy.
Facts about Princeton
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 Princeton?
Based on our survey conducted in October 2023, the average national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels hinges on factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof positioning, shading, system size and labor. The cost goes up if you choose any accessories like solar trackers, batteries or animal guards.
Based on data from NASA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the EIA, installing solar panels in Princeton generally runs about $11,653.
How much can you save by going solar in Princeton?
Solar panel installation is a sizable initial investment, but you can expect to see considerable savings reflected in your energy bills over time.
Money savings in Princeton from going solar
After moving completely to solar power, Princeton homeowners typically see cost savings. However, recouping the initial investment requires time, and things like rain and tree shade impact the timeline for realizing returns on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the time it takes for a solar energy system to recoup its initial cost. The payback period in Princeton is approximately 16 years, according to our calculations, which are based on data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA.
- Annual solar savings in Princeton: Princeton homeowners can expect to save around $714 per year on average by switching to solar power, according to our analysis of data from the EIA, NASA and the Department of Energy.
- 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 $8,706 over a 25-year period.
Energy savings in Princeton from going solar
Beyond cost savings, changing to solar power also shrinks your carbon footprint and lowers your environmental impact. Provided below are the approximated CO2 emission reductions you can expect from solar energy, as determined by our analysis of data from NASA and the EPA.
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Princeton?
Homeowners in Princeton can qualify for several solar incentives. Certain are available statewide for all New Jersey residents, and others depend on your city, municipality and utility company.
Here are solar incentives offered to New Jersey residents, as listed by 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. |
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 Princeton solar installer?
When selecting a solar panel installation professional, first review these important questions.
What size system do you need?
The right solar system size for you is based on how much energy your household utilizes, as well as the system's energy production ratio. More energy-intensive households often need larger solar panel systems. If the system isn't expansive enough, it could struggle to generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar installation project could be subject to relevant codes and permits by your state. You'll need to apply for the required permits from your local building department, as well as set up an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not every house gets the same level of sunlight. Trees, precipitation and extreme 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?
To conserve excess power, many panel systems come equipped with a solar battery. This feature is essential in cloudy conditions and helps to mitigate power loss. However, opting for battery storage can result in higher setup expenses.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You can choose from several types of solar panels, each varying in design, efficiency and life expectancy. These factors not only influence the price, but also the speed at which you’ll need to replace panels and the amount of space the panels take up 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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