Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clayton, NJ (2023 Update)
- Clayton Solar Installation Cost: $9,012
- 25-Year Savings: $13,749
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clayton
We break down average solar pricing in Clayton.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Clayton is 2.77 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Clayton, most homeowners require a 4.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $9,016, or $12,893 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Clayton can save about $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Clayton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,514 |
| 3 years | $-4,518 |
| 5 years | $-1,521 |
| 7 years | $1,475 |
| 9 years | $4,472 |
| 11 years | $7,468 |
| 13 years | $10,464 |
| 15 years | $13,461 |
| 17 years | $16,457 |
| 19 years | $19,453 |
| 21 years | $22,450 |
| 23 years | $25,446 |
| 25 years | $28,443 |
Top Solar Installers in Clayton
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels yourself can be hard. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions 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 Clayton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clayton
Although the average cost of a solar system in Clayton is $9,016, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Clayton, one of the most crucial 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 usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,770 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Clayton, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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 Clayton provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Clayton, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Clayton have more knowledge 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 | $17,283 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $23,354 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $29,580 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $35,961 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $42,498 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $49,190 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $56,036 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $63,038 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of 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:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 Clayton, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Clayton?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Clayton?
You can't get solar panels for free in Clayton. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Clayton?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.