Solar Panel Cost Guide in City Of Orange, NJ (Aug 2022)
- City Of Orange Solar Installation Cost: $9,696
- 25-Year Savings: $8,155
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Updated 7/19/2022
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in City Of Orange
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in City Of Orange.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in City Of Orange, the typical cost of solar panels is $3 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 4.7 would cost about $9,696 before the federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in City Of Orange can save around $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in City Of Orange that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in City Of Orange
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,982 |
| 3 years | $-7,553 |
| 5 years | $-6,125 |
| 7 years | $-4,697 |
| 9 years | $-3,269 |
| 11 years | $-1,841 |
| 13 years | $-413 |
| 15 years | $1,015 |
| 17 years | $2,443 |
| 19 years | $3,871 |
| 21 years | $5,299 |
| 23 years | $6,727 |
| 25 years | $8,155 |
Top Solar Installers in City Of Orange
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Since solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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
The Green Panel
- 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 City Of Orange
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in City Of Orange
The cost of installing a solar system in City Of Orange can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment Size
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size. Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,770. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the City Of Orange average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in City Of Orange to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increase your total costs, so it's crucial to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in City Of Orange, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $12,791 | $9,844 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $16,726 | $13,454 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $20,498 | $17,227 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $24,106 | $21,165 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $27,549 | $25,266 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $30,829 | $29,531 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $33,945 | $33,961 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $36,896 | $38,554 | 12.2 years |
Solar Incentives in City Of Orange
| Name | NJ Clean Energy- Residential New Construction Program |
| Incentive Amount | Incentives depend on the HERS score and the classification Single family homes: Ranges from $1,125 to - 24,250 Multi-single homes: Ranges from $1,125 to $18,188 Multifamily homes: Ranges from $625-$12,125 |
| Incentive Max | Multifamily: up to $12,125 Individual homes: up to $24,250 |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems |
| Incentive Amount | 100% of value added by renewable system |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | ITC |
| Type | Tax Incentive |
| Incentive Amount | 26% of installation cost |
| Website | Visit here |
| Name | Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) Registration Program |
| Incentive Amount | Determined by the market. In June 2016, SREC traded at an average price of $229.90. |
| Incentive Max | Maximum price set by the SACP for the particular year. |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | PSE&G - Solar Loan Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Successor Solar Incentive (SuSI) Program |
| Incentive Amount | Net-Metered Residential: $90/SREC-II Small Net-Metered Non-Residential located on Rooftop, Carport, Canopy and Floating Solar Projects smaller than 1 MW (dc): $100/SREC-II, $120 for public entities Projects 1 MW to 5 MW (dc): $90/SREC-II, $110 for public entities Net Metered Non-Residential Ground Mount Projects smaller than 1 MW (dc): $85/SREC-II, $105 for public entities Projects 1 MW to 5 MW (dc): $80/SREC-II, $100 for public entities Community Solar LMI: $90/SREC-II Community Solar Non-LMI: $70/SREC-II |
| Incentive Max | MW-DC Capacity Blocks Net Metered Residential: 150 MW Net Metered Non-Residential: 150 MW Community Solar (LMI and Non-LMI): 150 MW |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Solar Energy Sales Tax Exemption |
| Incentive Amount | 100% exemption |
| Incentive Max | None |
| More Info | Click here |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly influence your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which kind 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 offerings before deciding.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project 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 Technology
The Green Panel
- 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 City Of Orange, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in City Of Orange?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in City Of Orange?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in City Of Orange?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated 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 do I need 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 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 buy 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.
