Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bergenfield, NJ (2023 Update)
- Bergenfield Solar Installation Cost: $9,047
- 25-Year Savings: $8,933
- Payback Period: 12.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bergenfield
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Bergenfield.
In Bergenfield, solar panels cost about 2.77 per watt on average. Since a 4.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Bergenfield, the average price of going solar will be about $9,055 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Bergenfield for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Bergenfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,624 |
| 3 years | $-4,779 |
| 5 years | $-1,935 |
| 7 years | $910 |
| 9 years | $3,755 |
| 11 years | $6,599 |
| 13 years | $9,444 |
| 15 years | $12,289 |
| 17 years | $15,134 |
| 19 years | $17,978 |
| 21 years | $20,823 |
| 23 years | $23,668 |
| 25 years | $26,513 |
Top Solar Installers in Bergenfield
Installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Bergenfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bergenfield
There are many factors that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Bergenfield, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $11,022 | 13.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $15,006 | 12.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $19,145 | 12.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $23,440 | 12.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $27,889 | 12.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $32,494 | 11.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $37,254 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $42,169 | 11.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Bergenfield, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bergenfield?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Bergenfield?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of 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 account for 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.