Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hillsdale, NJ (2023 Update)

  • Hillsdale Solar Installation Cost: $9,047
  • 25-Year Savings: $8,958
  • Payback Period: 12.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 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 Hillsdale

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Hillsdale.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Hillsdale it's 2.77 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Hillsdale is around 4.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,055 for a solar installation, or $12,949 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Hillsdale can save about $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Hillsdale for a custom quote.

Solar savings over time in Hillsdale

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-7,624
3 years $-4,779
5 years $-1,935
7 years $910
9 years $3,755
11 years $6,599
13 years $9,444
15 years $12,289
17 years $15,134
19 years $17,978
21 years $20,823
23 years $23,668
25 years $26,513

Top Solar Installers in Hillsdale

Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.

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 near you:

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 for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Hillsdale

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hillsdale

There are several criteria that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,770. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Hillsdale, 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 more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Hillsdale, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can influence your pricing. Hillsdale's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.

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 $11,055 13.1 years
8 kW $2.83 $15,822 $15,050 12.8 years
10 kW $2.77 $19,390 $19,200 12.6 years
12 kW $2.71 $22,803 $23,506 12.3 years
14 kW $2.66 $26,060 $27,967 12.1 years
16 kW $2.60 $29,163 $32,582 11.8 years
18 kW $2.55 $32,110 $37,353 11.6 years
20 kW $2.49 $34,902 $42,279 11.3 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 brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
  • Warranty: If you're worried about the longevity of your solar energy system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer regarding 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 for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Hillsdale, NJ Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hillsdale?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Hillsdale?

You can't get solar panels for free in Hillsdale. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?

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 $771.81 per year.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.

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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