Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chesterfield, NJ (2023 Update)
- Chesterfield Solar Installation Cost: $8,939
- 25-Year Savings: $8,078
- Payback Period: 13.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chesterfield
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Chesterfield.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Chesterfield, the average cost of solar panels is 2.77 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Chesterfield is around 4.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $8,939 for a solar installation, or $12,783 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Chesterfield depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. With typical savings of about $14,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Chesterfield find going solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Chesterfield for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Chesterfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,258 |
| 3 years | $-6,897 |
| 5 years | $-5,535 |
| 7 years | $-4,174 |
| 9 years | $-2,813 |
| 11 years | $-1,451 |
| 13 years | $-90 |
| 15 years | $1,271 |
| 17 years | $2,633 |
| 19 years | $3,994 |
| 21 years | $5,355 |
| 23 years | $6,717 |
| 25 years | $8,078 |
Top Solar Installers in Chesterfield
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Chesterfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chesterfield
For many Chesterfield homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Chesterfield, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Chesterfield, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,770 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Chesterfield, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Chesterfield, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Chesterfield homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Chesterfield, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $10,052 | 13.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $13,713 | 13.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $17,530 | 13.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $21,501 | 12.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $25,627 | 12.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $29,909 | 12.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $34,345 | 12.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $38,937 | 11.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like to install plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
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 Chesterfield, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chesterfield?
The average cost of solar panels in Chesterfield is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Chesterfield, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having 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.