Solar Panel Cost Guide in Harding, NJ (2023 Update)
- Harding Solar Installation Cost: $9,268
- 25-Year Savings: $8,601
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Harding
We go over average solar pricing in Harding.
In Harding, solar panels cost about 2.77 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Harding is around 4.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,268 for a solar installation, or $13,253 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Harding can save about $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Harding
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,554 |
| 3 years | $-7,124 |
| 5 years | $-5,694 |
| 7 years | $-4,265 |
| 9 years | $-2,835 |
| 11 years | $-1,406 |
| 13 years | $24 |
| 15 years | $1,453 |
| 17 years | $2,883 |
| 19 years | $4,313 |
| 21 years | $5,742 |
| 23 years | $7,172 |
| 25 years | $8,601 |
Top Solar Installers in Harding
Trying to install 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. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Harding
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Harding
For many Harding homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Harding, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can impact your pricing. Harding'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 promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $10,338 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $14,094 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $18,005 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $22,072 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $26,293 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $30,670 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $35,202 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $39,889 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will be a major factor in determining 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 several important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
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 Harding, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Harding?
The average cost of solar panels in Harding is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Harding?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location 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 $747.91 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.