Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kenilworth, NJ (Mar 2023)

  • Kenilworth Solar Installation Cost: $9,055
  • 25-Year Savings: $7,962
  • Payback Period: 13.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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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 Kenilworth

Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Kenilworth.

The average cost of solar panels in Kenilworth is 2.77 per watt. The average Kenilworth homeowner needs a 4.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,055 with the federal tax credit, or $12,949 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Kenilworth homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the significant initial cost, the average Kenilworth homeowner can save about $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Kenilworth for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Kenilworth

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-8,374
3 years $-7,013
5 years $-5,652
7 years $-4,290
9 years $-2,929
11 years $-1,568
13 years $-206
15 years $1,155
17 years $2,516
19 years $3,878
21 years $5,239
23 years $6,601
25 years $7,962

Top Solar Installers in Kenilworth

DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies offer can be valuable as well, especially if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.

Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Kenilworth

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kenilworth

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Kenilworth: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,770. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Kenilworth, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panels can play a role in determining the cost. Kenilworth's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that offers 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 $2.88 $12,099 $9,785 13.8 years
8 kW $2.83 $15,822 $13,357 13.6 years
10 kW $2.77 $19,390 $17,084 13.3 years
12 kW $2.71 $22,803 $20,967 13.0 years
14 kW $2.66 $26,060 $25,004 12.8 years
16 kW $2.60 $29,163 $29,196 12.5 years
18 kW $2.55 $32,110 $33,544 12.2 years
20 kW $2.49 $34,902 $38,047 12.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Warranty: If you're concerned about the endurance of your solar panel system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you go with.
  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
  • Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Kenilworth, NJ Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Kenilworth?

The average cost of solar panels in Kenilworth 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 certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Are solar panels free in Kenilworth?

A solar panel system isn't free in Kenilworth, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Kenilworth?

The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of 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 get 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.

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