Solar Panel Cost Guide in East Franklin, NJ (Mar 2023)
- East Franklin Solar Installation Cost: $9,191
- 25-Year Savings: $8,660
- Payback Period: 12.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in East Franklin
We break down average solar pricing in East Franklin.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in East Franklin typically cost about 2.77. Since a 4.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in East Franklin, the average price of going solar will be about $9,191 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average East Franklin homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in East Franklin can save around $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in East Franklin for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in East Franklin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,477 |
| 3 years | $-7,049 |
| 5 years | $-5,621 |
| 7 years | $-4,193 |
| 9 years | $-2,765 |
| 11 years | $-1,337 |
| 13 years | $91 |
| 15 years | $1,519 |
| 17 years | $2,947 |
| 19 years | $4,376 |
| 21 years | $5,804 |
| 23 years | $7,232 |
| 25 years | $8,660 |
Top Solar Installers in East Franklin
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra effort and handiness. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers provide can be invaluable as well, especially if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment you need.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. 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
Tesla Energy
- 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 East Franklin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East Franklin
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in East Franklin: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,770 per kilowatt in East Franklin. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like East Franklin, 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 more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in East Franklin to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies typically 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 add-on services like electric vehicle 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 | $10,518 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $14,334 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $18,305 | 12.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $22,432 | 12.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $26,713 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $31,150 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $35,742 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $40,489 | 11.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in East Franklin, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
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
Tesla Energy
- 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 East Franklin, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in East Franklin?
The average cost of solar panels in East Franklin 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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in East Franklin?
You can't get solar panels for free in East Franklin. 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.
Does East Franklin have a net metering program?
Most 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 many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.