Solar Panel Cost Guide in Caldwell, NJ (2025 Update)
- Caldwell Solar Installation Cost: $11,692
- 25-Year Savings: $7,842
- Payback Period: 17.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Caldwell
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Caldwell.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Caldwell typically cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in Caldwell is around 4.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,692 for a solar installation, or $16,720 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $14,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Caldwell
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,633 |
| 3 years | $-8,514 |
| 5 years | $-6,396 |
| 7 years | $-4,278 |
| 9 years | $-2,159 |
| 11 years | $-41 |
| 13 years | $2,078 |
| 15 years | $4,196 |
| 17 years | $6,314 |
| 19 years | $8,433 |
| 21 years | $10,551 |
| 23 years | $12,670 |
| 25 years | $14,788 |
Top Solar Installers in Caldwell
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar company too, which can save you more money over time.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Caldwell
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Caldwell
For many Caldwell homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Caldwell, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,530 per kilowatt in Caldwell.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Caldwell homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Caldwell, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $3.67 | $15,419 | $6,159 | 17.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $8,608 | 17.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $11,254 | 17.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $14,098 | 16.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $17,139 | 16.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $20,378 | 16.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $23,815 | 15.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $27,450 | 15.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Caldwell, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Caldwell?
The average cost of solar panels in Caldwell is about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Caldwell?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Caldwell, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Caldwell is currently $627,394, which means you can look forward to a value of about $25,723 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Caldwell is a rewarding investment.
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 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 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.