Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jefferson, NJ (2025 Update)
- Jefferson Solar Installation Cost: $11,808
- 25-Year Savings: $14,672
- Payback Period: 17.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Jefferson
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Jefferson.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Jefferson it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Jefferson, most homeowners require a 4.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,808, or $16,885 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Jefferson based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With typical savings of about $14,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Jefferson find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Jefferson that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Jefferson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,749 |
| 3 years | $-8,630 |
| 5 years | $-6,512 |
| 7 years | $-4,394 |
| 9 years | $-2,275 |
| 11 years | $-157 |
| 13 years | $1,962 |
| 15 years | $4,080 |
| 17 years | $6,198 |
| 19 years | $8,317 |
| 21 years | $10,435 |
| 23 years | $12,554 |
| 25 years | $14,672 |
Top Solar Installers in Jefferson
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to use a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company as well, which can save you more money over time.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Jefferson:
See all of the solar companies in Jefferson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Jefferson
For many Jefferson homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Jefferson, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly 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 affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much 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 Jefferson homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Jefferson homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Jefferson is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Jefferson are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $3.67 | $15,419 | $6,391 | 17.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $8,916 | 17.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $11,640 | 17.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $14,561 | 16.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $17,679 | 16.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $20,996 | 16.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $24,510 | 15.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $28,221 | 15.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two 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 positive reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- 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 substantial role in the company you opt for.
EcoWatch's Jefferson, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Jefferson?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 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 usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Jefferson?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Jefferson, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Jefferson?
Though 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 replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.