Solar Panel Cost Guide in Allendale, NJ (2023 Update)

  • Allendale Solar Installation Cost: $9,055
  • 25-Year Savings: $8,950
  • Payback Period: 12.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Allendale

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Allendale.

The average cost of a solar system in Allendale is 2.77 per watt. The average Allendale homeowner needs a 4.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,055 with the federal tax credit, or $12,949 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $15,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Allendale find investing in solar has a decent ROI.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Allendale that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Allendale

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-8,335
3 years $-6,895
5 years $-5,454
7 years $-4,014
9 years $-2,573
11 years $-1,133
13 years $307
15 years $1,748
17 years $3,188
19 years $4,628
21 years $6,069
23 years $7,509
25 years $8,950

Top Solar Installers in Allendale

When going solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, opting for a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Allendale

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Allendale

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Allendale: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Allendale, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,770 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Allendale, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can influence the cost. Allendale's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $2.88 $12,099 $11,055 13.1 years
8 kW $2.83 $15,822 $15,050 12.8 years
10 kW $2.77 $19,390 $19,200 12.6 years
12 kW $2.71 $22,803 $23,506 12.3 years
14 kW $2.66 $26,060 $27,967 12.1 years
16 kW $2.60 $29,163 $32,582 11.8 years
18 kW $2.55 $32,110 $37,353 11.6 years
20 kW $2.49 $34,902 $42,279 11.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies available in Allendale, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Allendale, NJ Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Allendale?

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Does Allendale have a net metering program?

Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.

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