Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kearny, NJ (2023 Update)
- Kearny Solar Installation Cost: $8,922
- 25-Year Savings: $8,928
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kearny
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Kearny.
The average cost of a solar system in Kearny is 2.77 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Kearny, most homeowners require a 4.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $8,919, or $12,754 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Kearny, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Kearny
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,863 |
| 3 years | $-8,744 |
| 5 years | $-8,625 |
| 7 years | $-8,506 |
| 9 years | $-8,387 |
| 11 years | $-8,268 |
| 13 years | $-8,149 |
| 15 years | $-8,030 |
| 17 years | $-7,911 |
| 19 years | $-7,792 |
| 21 years | $-7,673 |
| 23 years | $-7,554 |
| 25 years | $-7,435 |
Top Solar Installers in Kearny
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're looking for a solar company in Kearny, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Kearny
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kearny
There are a number of criteria that can affect your solar system 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines 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 average energy use. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Kearny average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Kearny have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Kearny, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Kearny have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 | $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
There are numerous companies to choose from in Kearny, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of 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 good reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the durability of your solar energy system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
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 Kearny, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Kearny?
The average cost of solar panels in Kearny is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Kearny?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your property's value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How many solar panels do I need 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 usually 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.