Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fords, NJ (2024 Update)
- Fords Solar Installation Cost: $11,564
- 25-Year Savings: $8,776
- Payback Period: 16.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fords
We break down average solar pricing in Fords.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Fords generally cost around 4.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Fords, most homeowners require a 4.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,564, or $16,537 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Fords that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Fords
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,142 |
| 3 years | $-7,297 |
| 5 years | $-4,452 |
| 7 years | $-1,608 |
| 9 years | $1,237 |
| 11 years | $4,082 |
| 13 years | $6,927 |
| 15 years | $9,771 |
| 17 years | $12,616 |
| 19 years | $15,461 |
| 21 years | $18,306 |
| 23 years | $21,150 |
| 25 years | $23,995 |
Top Solar Installers in Fords
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar company since handling can be a difficult project. Another benefit of utilizing a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your ROI by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Fords:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Fords
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fords
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Fords is $11,564, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Fords average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Fords homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Fords is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Fords have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $3.67 | $15,419 | $7,466 | 16.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $10,350 | 16.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $13,432 | 16.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $16,711 | 15.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $20,188 | 15.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $23,863 | 15.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $27,736 | 14.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $31,806 | 14.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Fords, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fords?
The average cost of solar panels in Fords 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Fords?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level 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.