Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hawthorne, NJ (Mar 2023)
- Hawthorne Solar Installation Cost: $9,249
- 25-Year Savings: $8,756
- Payback Period: 12.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hawthorne
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Hawthorne.
The average cost of solar panels in Hawthorne is 2.77 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 4.8-kW system would cost about $9,249 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on your energy needs and what company you go with. With typical savings of about $14,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Hawthorne find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hawthorne
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,529 |
| 3 years | $-7,088 |
| 5 years | $-5,648 |
| 7 years | $-4,208 |
| 9 years | $-2,767 |
| 11 years | $-1,327 |
| 13 years | $113 |
| 15 years | $1,554 |
| 17 years | $2,994 |
| 19 years | $4,435 |
| 21 years | $5,875 |
| 23 years | $7,315 |
| 25 years | $8,756 |
Top Solar Installers in Hawthorne
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you're looking for a solar company in Hawthorne, we've organized 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 Hawthorne
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hawthorne
For many Hawthorne homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to 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 considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $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 come at a higher price 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Hawthorne to be prohibitively expensive, 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 lead to higher prices over time because of interest. It's a good idea 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 how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Hawthorne is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Additionally, some companies in Hawthorne have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 | $10,526 | 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 many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established 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 verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you choose.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 Hawthorne, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hawthorne?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
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 $754.19 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.