Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hawthorne, NJ (2023 Update)
- Hawthorne Solar Installation Cost: $9,258
- 25-Year Savings: $8,747
- Payback Period: 12.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hawthorne
We break down average solar pricing in Hawthorne.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Hawthorne generally cost around 2.77. The average solar panel system size in Hawthorne is around 4.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,249 for a solar installation, or $13,226 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs may differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hawthorne
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,836 |
| 3 years | $-4,991 |
| 5 years | $-2,146 |
| 7 years | $699 |
| 9 years | $3,543 |
| 11 years | $6,388 |
| 13 years | $9,233 |
| 15 years | $12,078 |
| 17 years | $14,922 |
| 19 years | $17,767 |
| 21 years | $20,612 |
| 23 years | $23,457 |
| 25 years | $26,301 |
Top Solar Installers in Hawthorne
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, if you aren't sure what brand 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.
If you're searching for a solar company in Hawthorne, the EcoWatch team has put together 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
See all of the solar companies in Hawthorne
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hawthorne
For many Hawthorne homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Hawthorne, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Hawthorne, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Hawthorne to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest. It's wise to add 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can play a part in determining your pricing. Hawthorne's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, 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 | $10,526 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $14,345 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $18,319 | 12.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $22,449 | 12.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $26,733 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $31,172 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $35,767 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $40,517 | 11.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Hawthorne, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hawthorne?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Hawthorne is currently $381,000, which means you can look forward to a value of about $15,621 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Hawthorne is a fruitful investment.
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.