Solar Panel Cost Guide in Highland Park, NJ (Mar 2023)

  • Highland Park Solar Installation Cost: $9,075
  • 25-Year Savings: $8,776
  • Payback Period: 12.7 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 Highland Park

Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Highland Park.

In Highland Park, solar panels cost about 2.77 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 4.7-kW system would cost about $9,075 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Highland Park can save around $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a customized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Highland Park

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-8,360
3 years $-6,932
5 years $-5,504
7 years $-4,076
9 years $-2,648
11 years $-1,220
13 years $208
15 years $1,636
17 years $3,064
19 years $4,492
21 years $5,920
23 years $7,348
25 years $8,776

Top Solar Installers in Highland Park

Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a stressful undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.

If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Highland Park, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:

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 Highland Park

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Highland Park

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Highland Park: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,770. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Highland Park, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Highland Park, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

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 $10,786 13.2 years
8 kW $2.83 $15,822 $14,691 13.0 years
10 kW $2.77 $19,390 $18,752 12.7 years
12 kW $2.71 $22,803 $22,968 12.5 years
14 kW $2.66 $26,060 $27,338 12.2 years
16 kW $2.60 $29,163 $31,864 11.9 years
18 kW $2.55 $32,110 $36,546 11.7 years
20 kW $2.49 $34,902 $41,382 11.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
  • 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 good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.

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 Highland Park, NJ Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Highland Park?

The average cost of solar panels in Highland Park 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 stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Are solar panels free in Highland Park?

You can't get solar panels for free in Highland Park. However, you may still be able to get 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.

Do solar panels increase your home value?

Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Highland Park is currently $373,700, so you can expect a value of about $15,322 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Highland Park is a rewarding investment.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Although 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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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