Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clifton, NJ (Jun 2022)
- Clifton Solar Installation Cost: $9,778
- 25-Year Savings: $8,073
- Payback Period: 13.7 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Updated 5/26/2022
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clifton
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Clifton.
The average cost of solar panels in Clifton is $3 per watt. Because a 4.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Clifton, the average price of going solar will be about $9,778 before claiming the federal solar tax credit.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Clifton based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. With typical savings of about $14,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Clifton find going solar has a decent ROI.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Clifton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,064 |
| 3 years | $-7,635 |
| 5 years | $-6,207 |
| 7 years | $-4,779 |
| 9 years | $-3,351 |
| 11 years | $-1,923 |
| 13 years | $-495 |
| 15 years | $933 |
| 17 years | $2,361 |
| 19 years | $3,789 |
| 21 years | $5,217 |
| 23 years | $6,645 |
| 25 years | $8,073 |
Top Solar Installers in Clifton
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. In addition, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, going with a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Clifton:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
4.5
Great warranty coverage- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
-
Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
4.5
- 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
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Clifton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment Size
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Clifton, one of the most important 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 consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,770 for each additional kilowatt you need. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Clifton average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Clifton, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Clifton homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Clifton, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Clifton have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $12,791 | $9,641 | 14.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $16,726 | $13,182 | 14.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $20,498 | $16,888 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $24,106 | $20,757 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $27,549 | $24,791 | 13.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $30,829 | $28,989 | 12.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $33,945 | $33,350 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $36,896 | $37,876 | 12.3 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 numerous companies available in Clifton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
4.5
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
4.5
- 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
How much does it cost to install 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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Clifton?
A solar panel system isn't free in Clifton, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Is it worth going solar in Clifton?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 get 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.
