Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clifton, NJ (Sep 2022)
- Clifton Solar Installation Cost: $9,249
- 25-Year Savings: $8,601
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Updated 9/16/2022
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clifton
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Clifton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Clifton, the average cost of a solar system is $3 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Clifton, most homeowners require a 4.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $9,249, or $6,844 after the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Clifton can save about $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Clifton for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Clifton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,535 |
| 3 years | $-7,107 |
| 5 years | $-5,679 |
| 7 years | $-4,251 |
| 9 years | $-2,823 |
| 11 years | $-1,395 |
| 13 years | $33 |
| 15 years | $1,461 |
| 17 years | $2,889 |
| 19 years | $4,317 |
| 21 years | $5,745 |
| 23 years | $7,173 |
| 25 years | $8,601 |
Top Solar Installers in Clifton
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
Working with a vetted 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 Clifton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clifton
While the average cost of solar panels in Clifton is $9,249, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment Size
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Clifton, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,770 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Clifton, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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 a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Clifton, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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 finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Clifton, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $10,332 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $14,087 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $17,996 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $22,061 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $26,280 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $30,655 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $35,185 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $39,870 | 11.7 years |
Solar Incentives in Clifton
| 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 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: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
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 Clifton, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Clifton?
The average cost of solar panels in Clifton is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Clifton?
Solar panels aren't free in Clifton, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Does Clifton have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How long do solar panels last in Clifton?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having 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.
