Solar Panel Cost Guide in Echelon, NJ (Mar 2023)
- Echelon Solar Installation Cost: $9,036
- 25-Year Savings: $11,270
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Echelon
We break down average solar pricing in Echelon.
The average cost of solar panels in Echelon is 2.77 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Echelon, most homeowners require a 4.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $9,036, or $12,921 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Echelon homeowner can save around $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Echelon, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Echelon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,224 |
| 3 years | $-6,599 |
| 5 years | $-4,975 |
| 7 years | $-3,350 |
| 9 years | $-1,726 |
| 11 years | $-101 |
| 13 years | $1,523 |
| 15 years | $3,148 |
| 17 years | $4,772 |
| 19 years | $6,396 |
| 21 years | $8,021 |
| 23 years | $9,645 |
| 25 years | $11,270 |
Top Solar Installers in Echelon
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra energy and knowledge. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers offer can be valuable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Echelon:
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 Echelon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Echelon
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Echelon: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,770. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Echelon average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Echelon offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can impact the cost. Echelon's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Echelon know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $12,099 | $14,055 | 11.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $19,050 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $24,200 | 11.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $29,505 | 10.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $34,966 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $40,581 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $46,352 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $52,278 | 10.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- 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 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.
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 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 $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Echelon?
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 long do solar panels last in Echelon?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide 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.