Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fairfield, NJ (2023 Update)
- Fairfield Solar Installation Cost: $9,171
- 25-Year Savings: $7,846
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fairfield
We break down average solar pricing in Fairfield.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fairfield it's 2.77 per watt. The average Fairfield homeowner needs a 4.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,171 with the federal tax credit, or $13,115 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Fairfield homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Fairfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,491 |
| 3 years | $-7,129 |
| 5 years | $-5,768 |
| 7 years | $-4,407 |
| 9 years | $-3,045 |
| 11 years | $-1,684 |
| 13 years | $-323 |
| 15 years | $1,039 |
| 17 years | $2,400 |
| 19 years | $3,761 |
| 21 years | $5,123 |
| 23 years | $6,484 |
| 25 years | $7,846 |
Top Solar Installers in Fairfield
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra energy and knowledge. That's why most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers offer can be useful as well, especially if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Fairfield:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Fairfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fairfield
The cost of installing a solar system in Fairfield can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Moreover, 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 Fairfield provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. It's a good idea to factor 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 how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Fairfield, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have 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 | $9,479 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $12,949 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $16,574 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $20,354 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $24,289 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $28,380 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $32,625 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $37,026 | 12.1 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Fairfield, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fairfield?
The average cost of solar panels in Fairfield is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Fairfield?
Solar panels aren't free in Fairfield, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Fairfield?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.