Solar Panel Cost Guide in Florence, NJ (Mar 2023)

  • Florence Solar Installation Cost: $8,939
  • 25-Year Savings: $8,912
  • Payback Period: 12.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Florence

We go over average solar pricing in Florence.

In Florence, solar panels cost about 2.77 per watt on average. The average Florence homeowner needs a 4.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $8,939 with the federal tax credit, or $12,783 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Florence 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. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Florence that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Florence

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-8,225
3 years $-6,797
5 years $-5,369
7 years $-3,941
9 years $-2,513
11 years $-1,085
13 years $343
15 years $1,772
17 years $3,200
19 years $4,628
21 years $6,056
23 years $7,484
25 years $8,912

Top Solar Installers in Florence

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your family.

Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Florence

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Florence

The cost of installing a solar system in Florence can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,770. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Florence, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Florence homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. It's wise 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 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 affect your pricing. Florence's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.

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 $11,137 13.0 years
8 kW $2.83 $15,822 $15,160 12.8 years
10 kW $2.77 $19,390 $19,337 12.5 years
12 kW $2.71 $22,803 $23,670 12.3 years
14 kW $2.66 $26,060 $28,158 12.0 years
16 kW $2.60 $29,163 $32,801 11.8 years
18 kW $2.55 $32,110 $37,600 11.5 years
20 kW $2.49 $34,902 $42,553 11.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly affects your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Florence, NJ Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Florence?

The average cost of solar panels in Florence 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 such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Can you get solar panels for free in Florence?

Solar panels aren't free in Florence, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.

Does Florence have a net metering program?

Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.

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