Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fords, NJ (Mar 2023)
- Fords Solar Installation Cost: $9,075
- 25-Year Savings: $8,776
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fords
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Fords.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Fords, the average cost of solar panels is 2.77 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 4.7-kW system would cost about $9,075 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Fords, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fords
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,360 |
| 3 years | $-6,932 |
| 5 years | $-5,504 |
| 7 years | $-4,076 |
| 9 years | $-2,648 |
| 11 years | $-1,220 |
| 13 years | $208 |
| 15 years | $1,636 |
| 17 years | $3,064 |
| 19 years | $4,492 |
| 21 years | $5,920 |
| 23 years | $7,348 |
| 25 years | $8,776 |
Top Solar Installers in Fords
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers offer can be helpful as well, particularly if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Fords
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fords
For many Fords homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Fords, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,770. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's important to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can influence your pricing. Fords' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Fords know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $2.88 | $12,099 | $10,786 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $14,691 | 13.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $18,752 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $22,968 | 12.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $27,338 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $31,864 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $36,546 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $41,382 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- 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 install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
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 Fords, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fords?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Fords?
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 property 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.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Fords?
On average, solar panels can last 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.