Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jersey City, NJ (2024 Update)

  • Jersey City Solar Installation Cost: $11,370
  • 25-Year Savings: $8,928
  • Payback Period: 15.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Jersey City

Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Jersey City.

In Jersey City, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 4.6-kW system would cost about $11,370 before the 0 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 your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Jersey City

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-9,948
3 years$-7,103
5 years$-4,258
7 years$-1,414
9 years$1,431
11 years$4,276
13 years$7,120
15 years$9,965
17 years$12,810
19 years$15,655
21 years$18,499
23 years$21,344
25 years$24,189

Top Solar Installers in Jersey City

Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be challenging. Plus, if you’re unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.

If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:

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

Solar Veteran

Trinity Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Many financing options
  • Family-owned and -operated
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Limited service area
  • Relatively short workmanship warranty

See all of the solar companies in Jersey City

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Jersey City

For many Jersey City homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Jersey City, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous 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 determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Jersey City, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited 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 solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you pick will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.67$15,419$7,85616.6 years
8 kW$3.60$20,163$10,87116.2 years
10 kW$3.53$24,710$14,08215.9 years
12 kW$3.46$29,059$17,49215.6 years
14 kW$3.39$33,210$21,09915.3 years
16 kW$3.32$37,164$24,90415.0 years
18 kW$3.25$40,920$28,90614.7 years
20 kW$3.18$44,478$33,10714.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
  • Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.

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

Solar Veteran

Trinity Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Many financing options
  • Family-owned and -operated
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Limited service area
  • Relatively short workmanship warranty

EcoWatch's Jersey City, NJ Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Jersey City?

The average cost of solar panels in Jersey City is about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?

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 many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs 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 house 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.