Solar Panel Cost Guide in Echelon, NJ (2024 Update)
- Echelon Solar Installation Cost: $11,511
- 25-Year Savings: $11,273
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Echelon
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Echelon.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Echelon typically cost about 4.The average Echelon homeowner needs a 4.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,511 with the federal tax credit, or $16,461 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Echelon homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Echelon can save about $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Echelon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,012 |
| 3 years | $-7,016 |
| 5 years | $-4,020 |
| 7 years | $-1,023 |
| 9 years | $1,973 |
| 11 years | $4,969 |
| 13 years | $7,966 |
| 15 years | $10,962 |
| 17 years | $13,959 |
| 19 years | $16,955 |
| 21 years | $19,951 |
| 23 years | $22,948 |
| 25 years | $25,944 |
Top Solar Installers in Echelon
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar company since handling can be a challenging project. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Echelon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Echelon
For many Echelon homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Echelon, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,530. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Echelon to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 more than the original 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
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining how much you pay. Echelon’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is within 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 | $3.67 | $15,419 | $10,735 | 14.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $14,709 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $18,880 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $23,249 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $27,816 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $32,580 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $37,542 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $42,702 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Echelon, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Echelon, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Echelon?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Echelon?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Echelon is currently $293,172, so you could be looking at a value of about $12,020 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Echelon is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Echelon?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.