Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Lee, NJ (2024 Update)

  • Fort Lee 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 February 03, 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 Fort Lee

See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Fort Lee.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Fort Lee, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Fort Lee, most homeowners require a 4.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,529, or $16,486 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will look different based on your energy needs and what company you go with.With average savings of about $15,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Fort Lee find investing in solar has a decent ROI.

For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Fort Lee

Year Return 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 Fort Lee

Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and expertise. That's why the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’re not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:

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 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

See all of the solar companies in Fort Lee

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Lee

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Fort Lee: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Fort Lee, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,530 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Fort Lee homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Fort Lee, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Fort Lee have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. 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 $3.67 $15,419 $7,537 16.8 years
8 kW $3.60 $20,163 $10,444 16.5 years
10 kW $3.53 $24,710 $13,550 16.1 years
12 kW $3.46 $29,059 $16,853 15.8 years
14 kW $3.39 $33,210 $20,353 15.5 years
16 kW $3.32 $37,164 $24,051 15.2 years
18 kW $3.25 $40,920 $27,947 14.9 years
20 kW $3.18 $44,478 $32,041 14.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you go with will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
  • Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.

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 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

EcoWatch's Fort Lee, NJ Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fort Lee?

The average cost of solar panels in Fort Lee is about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type 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 things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $765.19 per year.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Even 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 opt 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.

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