Solar Panel Cost Guide in Elmwood Park, NJ (Mar 2023)
- Elmwood Park Solar Installation Cost: $9,055
- 25-Year Savings: $8,795
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Elmwood Park
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Elmwood Park.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Elmwood Park generally cost about 2.77. The average Elmwood Park homeowner needs a 4.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,055 with the federal tax credit, or $12,949 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Elmwood Park homeowner can save about $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Elmwood Park that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Elmwood Park
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,341 |
| 3 years | $-6,913 |
| 5 years | $-5,485 |
| 7 years | $-4,057 |
| 9 years | $-2,629 |
| 11 years | $-1,201 |
| 13 years | $227 |
| 15 years | $1,655 |
| 17 years | $3,083 |
| 19 years | $4,511 |
| 21 years | $5,939 |
| 23 years | $7,367 |
| 25 years | $8,795 |
Top Solar Installers in Elmwood Park
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to use a solar company since handling can be a difficult project. Another perk of utilizing a solar company is that they can help you optimize your return of investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Elmwood Park
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Elmwood Park
There are several factors that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,770 per kilowatt in Elmwood Park. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can play a part in determining how much you pay. Elmwood Park's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $10,856 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $14,785 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $18,870 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $23,109 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $27,503 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $32,053 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $36,757 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $41,617 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you hire.
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 Elmwood Park, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Elmwood Park?
The average cost of solar panels in Elmwood Park 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Elmwood Park?
You can't get solar panels for free in Elmwood Park. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Elmwood Park?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Elmwood Park?
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 higher amount 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.