Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carlstadt, NJ (Feb 2023)
- Carlstadt Solar Installation Cost: $9,055
- 25-Year Savings: $8,795
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carlstadt
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in Carlstadt.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Carlstadt generally cost around $3. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Carlstadt, most homeowners require a 4.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $9,055, or $6,701 after the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Carlstadt homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Carlstadt see about $15,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Carlstadt that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Carlstadt
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,341 |
| 3 years | $-6,913 |
| 5 years | $-5,485 |
| 7 years | $-4,057 |
| 9 years | $-2,629 |
| 11 years | $-1,201 |
| 13 years | $227 |
| 15 years | $1,655 |
| 17 years | $3,083 |
| 19 years | $4,511 |
| 21 years | $5,939 |
| 23 years | $7,367 |
| 25 years | $8,795 |
Top Solar Installers in Carlstadt
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Carlstadt:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Carlstadt
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carlstadt
There are many factors that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,770. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Carlstadt, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Carlstadt provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can influence how much you pay. Carlstadt's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Carlstadt know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $10,856 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $14,785 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $18,870 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $23,109 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $27,503 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $32,053 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $36,757 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $41,617 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Carlstadt, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Carlstadt?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Carlstadt?
Solar panels aren't free in Carlstadt, 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.
Does Carlstadt have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.