Solar Panel Cost Guide in Glen Ridge, NJ (Mar 2023)

  • Glen Ridge Solar Installation Cost: $9,171
  • 25-Year Savings: $8,679
  • Payback Period: 12.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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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 Glen Ridge

We go over average solar pricing in Glen Ridge.

The average cost of a solar system in Glen Ridge is 2.77 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Glen Ridge, most homeowners require a 4.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $9,171, or $13,115 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Glen Ridge homeowners see about $14,000 in savings on utility 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 Glen Ridge

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-8,457
3 years $-7,029
5 years $-5,601
7 years $-4,173
9 years $-2,745
11 years $-1,317
13 years $111
15 years $1,539
17 years $2,967
19 years $4,395
21 years $5,823
23 years $7,251
25 years $8,679

Top Solar Installers in Glen Ridge

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment you need.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:

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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Glen Ridge

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Glen Ridge

For many Glen Ridge homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Glen Ridge, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly 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 main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better 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 kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Glen Ridge average.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Glen Ridge homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's crucial to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Glen Ridge, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Glen Ridge are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 $10,536 13.4 years
8 kW $2.83 $15,822 $14,358 13.1 years
10 kW $2.77 $19,390 $18,335 12.8 years
12 kW $2.71 $22,803 $22,468 12.6 years
14 kW $2.66 $26,060 $26,755 12.3 years
16 kW $2.60 $29,163 $31,198 12.1 years
18 kW $2.55 $32,110 $35,795 11.8 years
20 kW $2.49 $34,902 $40,548 11.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar panel company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:

  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through 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 what services you can expect from them.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.

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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Glen Ridge, NJ Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Glen Ridge?

The average cost of solar panels in Glen Ridge 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Glen Ridge?

Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How long do solar panels last in Glen Ridge?

Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having 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.

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