If you plan to install a solar electric system in your West Orange, NJ home, you are on track to reducing your monthly utility bills. While on the right track, you must plan your path to get the highest ROI (Return on Investment) from your solar electric system. Here is everything you need to do.
- Assess The Property
Contact a local NJ solar company to assess your roof for solar viability. A solar contractor will consider the angle the sun hits your roof how much space is available, and how much shading there is on site.
- Estimate The Needs
Once you have an idea that your roof is suitable, you must know your household’s yearly energy needs. Your energy needs will help determine the number of solar panels you need and, hence, the cost of your solar installation.
This is a crucial step – it won’t be possible for a New Jersey solar installer to give you an accurate estimate without an electric bill. So be sure you can access your bill online or even provide a photo of the physical bill to the installer.l
- Get Quotes
Once you have access to a recent electric bill, contact solar installation companies in your area. A simple Google search will help you reach the top companies in your area, and they will be happy to share a free quote for your solar needs.
Make sure you tell them about any add-ons you need, like a solar battery, as that will change the quote. You can choose the solar company that offers you competitive rates, has a good reputation, and is transparent about the products they will use.
- Understand Financing Options
Once you receive the quote, it’s time to assess whether you can afford the solar installation by paying upfront or need financing. These include solar loans, solar leases, and power purchase agreements.
Make sure that you educate yourself on the various incentives available to you. Alternatively, you can ask the solar installer about the incentives available to you and how you can claim them.
A financing plan affects more than just your upfront cost. It also impacts your monthly payments, long-term savings, maintenance responsibilities, and whether you or a third party owns the system.
Compare Your Solar Financing Options
Your solar financing plan determines your upfront cost, long-term savings, and who owns your solar system. Here’s a simple side-by-side comparison to help you understand the differences between ownership, a PPA, and a prepaid lease:
Ownership
Upfront Cost
Monthly Payments
Who Owns the System
Who Receives Incentives
Maintenance Responsibility
Typical Term Length
PPA
Upfront Cost
Monthly Payments
Who Owns the System
Who Receives Incentives
Maintenance Responsibility
Typical Term Length
Prepaid Lease
Upfront Cost
Monthly Payments
Who Owns the System
Who Receives Incentives
Maintenance Responsibility
Typical Term Length
- Get A Solar Electric System
Once you have chosen the solar installer of your choice, they can guide you to the type of solar panels, battery storage, and other products you need to go solar.
Green Power Energy is a well-respected solar installation company in New Jersey. With years of experience and hundreds of projects behind them, GPE helps homeowners go solar with the best brands for an affordable price.
