Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clayton, NJ (2023 Update)
- Clayton Solar Installation Cost: $9,016
- 25-Year Savings: $13,744
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clayton
We break down average solar pricing in Clayton.
In Clayton, solar panels cost about 2.77 per watt on average. Because a 4.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Clayton, the average price of going solar will be about $9,016 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. Despite the high initial cost, the average Clayton homeowner can save around $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer 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 | $-8,106 |
| 3 years | $-6,285 |
| 5 years | $-4,464 |
| 7 years | $-2,643 |
| 9 years | $-822 |
| 11 years | $998 |
| 13 years | $2,819 |
| 15 years | $4,640 |
| 17 years | $6,461 |
| 19 years | $8,282 |
| 21 years | $10,103 |
| 23 years | $11,924 |
| 25 years | $13,744 |
Top Solar Installers in Clayton
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra time and handiness. For that reason, most people choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Clayton, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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
The cost of installing a solar system in Clayton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
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 chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,770 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Clayton homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Clayton, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you hire.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clayton?
The average cost of solar panels in Clayton 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Clayton?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces 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 long do solar panels last in Clayton?
Although 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 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.