Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kearny, NJ (2024 Update)
- Kearny Solar Installation Cost: $11,370
- 25-Year Savings: $8,928
- Payback Period: 15.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kearny
We break down average solar pricing in Kearny.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Kearny it’s 4 per watt.The average Kearny homeowner needs a 4.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,370 with the federal tax credit, or $16,259 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Kearny homeowners. The cost 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.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Kearny homeowner can save around $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Kearny for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Kearny
| Year | Return 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 Kearny
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're looking for a solar company in Kearny, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Kearny
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kearny
There are many factors that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,530 per kilowatt in Kearny.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Kearny, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $7,856 | 16.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $10,871 | 16.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $14,082 | 15.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $17,492 | 15.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $21,099 | 15.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $24,904 | 15.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $28,906 | 14.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $33,107 | 14.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar panel system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Kearny, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Kearny?
The average cost of solar panels in Kearny is about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Kearny?
Solar panels aren’t free in Kearny, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Kearny?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.