Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jersey City, NJ (Feb 2023)
- Jersey City Solar Installation Cost: $8,919
- 25-Year Savings: $8,931
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Jersey City
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Jersey City.
In Jersey City, solar panels cost about $3 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Jersey City is around 4.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $8,919 for a solar installation, or $6,600 after the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Jersey City homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Jersey City homeowners see about $15,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Jersey City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,205 |
| 3 years | $-6,777 |
| 5 years | $-5,349 |
| 7 years | $-3,921 |
| 9 years | $-2,493 |
| 11 years | $-1,065 |
| 13 years | $363 |
| 15 years | $1,791 |
| 17 years | $3,219 |
| 19 years | $4,647 |
| 21 years | $6,075 |
| 23 years | $7,503 |
| 25 years | $8,931 |
Top Solar Installers in Jersey City
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy consumption, but going with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Jersey City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Jersey City
There are many criteria that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Jersey City have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Jersey City homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Jersey City are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about 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 end up saving you 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 | $11,176 | 13.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $15,212 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $19,402 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $23,748 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $28,249 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $32,905 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $37,716 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $42,683 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will influence not only your overall 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 take into account, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Jersey City, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Jersey City?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location 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 $775.85 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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.