Solar Panel Cost Guide in Franklin Lakes, NJ (2023 Update)
- Franklin Lakes Solar Installation Cost: $9,055
- 25-Year Savings: $8,950
- Payback Period: 12.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Franklin Lakes
We break down average solar pricing in Franklin Lakes.
In Franklin Lakes, solar panels cost about 2.77 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Franklin Lakes is around 4.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,055 for a solar installation, or $12,949 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Franklin Lakes can save about $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installation company in Franklin Lakes, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Franklin Lakes
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,335 |
| 3 years | $-6,895 |
| 5 years | $-5,454 |
| 7 years | $-4,014 |
| 9 years | $-2,573 |
| 11 years | $-1,133 |
| 13 years | $307 |
| 15 years | $1,748 |
| 17 years | $3,188 |
| 19 years | $4,628 |
| 21 years | $6,069 |
| 23 years | $7,509 |
| 25 years | $8,950 |
Top Solar Installers in Franklin Lakes
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, especially if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Franklin Lakes, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Lakes
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Franklin Lakes
There are a number of factors that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
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. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Franklin Lakes to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's important to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may notice 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 | $11,055 | 13.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $15,050 | 12.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $19,200 | 12.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $23,506 | 12.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $27,967 | 12.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $32,582 | 11.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $37,353 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $42,279 | 11.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
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 Lakes, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Franklin Lakes?
This is a difficult 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 usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Franklin Lakes?
You can't get solar panels for free in Franklin Lakes. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
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 $771.81 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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.