Best Solar Companies in Trenton, NJ

Solar panel costs in Trenton

A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $9,450 to $27,000 in New Jersey. Prices in Trenton are comparable, ranging from $9,485 to $27,100. On the high end, Ryan in Voorhees took out a $35,000 loan to go solar.

System size is a major solar cost factor. It also depends on if you want an energy storage battery, which sometimes costs as much as the panels: $7,000 to $18,000. A battery lets you store excess energy generated during the day and use it when your panels aren’t producing, like at night or during outages. It’s worth considering if your area gets frequent blackouts or if you don’t opt into Trenton’s net metering program.

Average solar panel installation costs by system size in Trenton

How can I pay for solar panels?

Getting solar panels is like buying a car. Most people pay cash, finance or lease. Similar to leasing, a power purchase agreement (PPA) lets you get the benefits of solar without actually owning the equipment.

• Solar loans work like any other type of loan. They have relatively low fixed interest rates. Once you pay it off, you own your system outright.
• Solar leases are a good option if you have limited savings and don’t want to take on debt. A potential downside to leasing is that you won’t be eligible for the federal solar tax credit.
• Power purchase agreements are when a third party installs and maintains solar panels on your property. You buy the power generated by the panels on a per kilowatt-hour (kWh) basis. It’s typically a fixed price, with a cheaper cents/kWh rate than traditional utilities have for the same amount of electricity.

» SOLAR PANELS: Buy vs. lease

Is solar worth it in Trenton?

Solar panels are generally worth it in New Jersey if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. On average, Trenton homeowners with solar panels can avoid $60,218 in total utility costs over 25 years.

One resident, Eric in Jackson, told us their utility only charges about $30 to $70 each February, “and that’s it. I love solar. Saving me so much money.”

The main drawback is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing the panels and equipment. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 8.5 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).

Considering New Jersey averages 3.5 to 4 peak sun hours each day, switching to solar is also worth considering for the environmental benefits. We suggest using NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house. Project Sunroof is a reliable online solar savings estimator.

Potential roof problems

As a rule of thumb, if your roof is more than 10 years old, consider fixing it before going solar. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels again. Velissa in Willingboro said it cost $8,600 to remove and replace shingles. Sounds like an expensive and frustrating process — avoid it if you can.

» SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

How to find a reputable solar company in Trenton

In our experience, the best solar companies in New Jersey have a few things in common: lots of experience, reliable equipment and transparent contracts. Here are some hiring tips.

• Check certifications: The New Jersey Division of Property Management and Construction has a contractor search tool to help you verify a potential installer’s credentials. We also recommend choosing an installer certified through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
• Read reviews: Avoid companies with recurring complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures, billing issues and lack of communication.
• Compare costs: Get multiple solar quotes from different companies to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
• Ask questions: Do you need a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or critter guards? How does this affect overall pricing? What if your system needs maintenance? If you don’t understand something about the payment terms, warranty or ongoing services, ask for clarification.

Going solar in Mercer County

Scammers sometimes pretend to be associated with the government or local utility. The State of NJ nor the Board of Public Utilities offer a completely free solar panel installation program, according to the New Jersey Clean Energy Program.

» BEST STATES FOR SOLAR: New Jersey ranked 12th in 2024

Residential solar panel incentives in Trenton

The 30% federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is the best incentive for most Trenton homeowners. It reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of how much it costs to install solar panels. Don’t get confused: The ITC is a credit, meaning it directly decreases the amount of taxes you owe. This is different from a deduction, which lowers your taxable income.

The ITC drops to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034.

You can combine the ITC with local solar incentives in New Jersey to maximize savings.

For instance, the Successor Solar Incentive (SuSI) program is a performance-based incentive that pays for energy production over time. There’s a sales tax exemption, which saves about 7% on the equipment. Plus, a property tax exemption means your property tax bill won’t go up if solar panels increase your home’s market value.