Solar Panel Cost Guide in City Of Orange, NJ (Sep 2022)
- City Of Orange Solar Installation Cost: $9,171
- 25-Year Savings: $8,679
- Payback Period: 12.8 Years
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Updated 9/16/2022
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in City Of Orange
We break down average solar pricing in City Of Orange.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in City Of Orange generally cost about $3. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in City Of Orange, most homeowners require a 4.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $9,171, or $6,787 after the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. Even with the large initial cost, the average City Of Orange homeowner can save about $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in City Of Orange
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,457 |
| 3 years | $-7,029 |
| 5 years | $-5,601 |
| 7 years | $-4,173 |
| 9 years | $-2,745 |
| 11 years | $-1,317 |
| 13 years | $111 |
| 15 years | $1,539 |
| 17 years | $2,967 |
| 19 years | $4,395 |
| 21 years | $5,823 |
| 23 years | $7,251 |
| 25 years | $8,679 |
Top Solar Installers in City Of Orange
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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
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
Although the average cost of solar panels in City Of Orange is $9,171, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment Size
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in City Of Orange, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,770 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout City Of Orange, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $10,536 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $14,358 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $18,335 | 12.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $22,468 | 12.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $26,755 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $31,198 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $35,795 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $40,548 | 11.6 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
There are many companies available in City Of Orange, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
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 hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
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 City Of Orange is currently $236,400, so you could be looking at a value of about $9,692 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in City Of Orange is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in City Of Orange?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.
