Solar Panel Cost Guide in Franklin, NJ (2023 Update)
- Franklin Solar Installation Cost: $9,191
- 25-Year Savings: $8,660
- Payback Period: 12.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Franklin
We go over average solar pricing in Franklin.
The average cost of solar panels in Franklin is 2.77 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Franklin is around 4.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,191 for a solar installation, or $13,143 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs may look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Franklin can save about $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Franklin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,477 |
| 3 years | $-7,049 |
| 5 years | $-5,621 |
| 7 years | $-4,193 |
| 9 years | $-2,765 |
| 11 years | $-1,337 |
| 13 years | $91 |
| 15 years | $1,519 |
| 17 years | $2,947 |
| 19 years | $4,376 |
| 21 years | $5,804 |
| 23 years | $7,232 |
| 25 years | $8,660 |
Top Solar Installers in Franklin
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for you.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Franklin:
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 Franklin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Franklin
There are several factors that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,770. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Franklin to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can affect how much it costs. Franklin's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $10,518 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $14,334 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $18,305 | 12.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $22,432 | 12.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $26,713 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $31,150 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $35,742 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $40,489 | 11.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- 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 updating your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you'd like to get plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 Franklin, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Franklin?
The average cost of solar panels in Franklin 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 Franklin?
Solar panels aren't free in Franklin, 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 can help lower the cost.
Does Franklin have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels 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.