Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fair Lawn, NJ (2024 Update)

  • Fair Lawn Solar Installation Cost: $11,529
  • 25-Year Savings: $8,804
  • Payback Period: 16.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated April 21, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fair Lawn

Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Fair Lawn.

In Fair Lawn, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Because a 4.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Fair Lawn, the average price of going solar will be about $11,529 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Fair Lawn homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $15,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Fair Lawn find going solar can be quite rewarding.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Fair Lawn for a customized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Fair Lawn

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-10,106
3 years$-7,262
5 years$-4,417
7 years$-1,572
9 years$1,273
11 years$4,117
13 years$6,962
15 years$9,807
17 years$12,652
19 years$15,496
21 years$18,341
23 years$21,186
25 years$24,031

Top Solar Installers in Fair Lawn

When going solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar company too, which can save you more money over time.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

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 for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

See all of the solar companies in Fair Lawn

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fair Lawn

While the average cost of a solar system in Fair Lawn is $11,529, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Fair Lawn, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,530 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about 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 into a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Fair Lawn provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Fair Lawn is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.67$15,419$7,53716.8 years
8 kW$3.60$20,163$10,44416.5 years
10 kW$3.53$24,710$13,55016.1 years
12 kW$3.46$29,059$16,85315.8 years
14 kW$3.39$33,210$20,35315.5 years
16 kW$3.32$37,164$24,05115.2 years
18 kW$3.25$40,920$27,94714.9 years
20 kW$3.18$44,478$32,04114.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based 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 the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
  • Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good 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 support, such as part repairs and replacements.

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 for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Fair Lawn, NJ Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fair Lawn?

The average cost of solar panels in Fair Lawn is about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Fair Lawn?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of 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 financial benefits from going solar.

How will installing solar panels impact my home value?

Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."

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 how much 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.