Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hillside, NJ (2023 Update)
- Hillside Solar Installation Cost: $9,055
- 25-Year Savings: $8,795
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hillside
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Hillside.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Hillside it's 2.77 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 4.7-kW system would cost about $9,055 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Hillside, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hillside
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,341 |
| 3 years | $-6,913 |
| 5 years | $-5,485 |
| 7 years | $-4,057 |
| 9 years | $-2,629 |
| 11 years | $-1,201 |
| 13 years | $227 |
| 15 years | $1,655 |
| 17 years | $3,083 |
| 19 years | $4,511 |
| 21 years | $5,939 |
| 23 years | $7,367 |
| 25 years | $8,795 |
Top Solar Installers in Hillside
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar installers provide can be invaluable as well, particularly if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Hillside
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hillside
For many Hillside homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Hillside, 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
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. 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. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Hillside homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Hillside, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater resources and better 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 promotion 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 | $10,857 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $14,786 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $18,870 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $23,110 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $27,504 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $32,054 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $36,759 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $41,619 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Hillside, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Hillside, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hillside?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider 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.
Is it worth going solar in Hillside?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Hillside?
On average, solar panels can last 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.