Solar Panel Cost Guide in Little Falls, NJ (2023 Update)
- Little Falls Solar Installation Cost: $9,258
- 25-Year Savings: $8,592
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Little Falls
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Little Falls.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Little Falls it's 2.77 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Little Falls, most homeowners require a 4.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $9,249, or $13,226 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. Despite the significant initial cost, the average Little Falls homeowner can save about $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Little Falls
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,198 |
| 3 years | $-9,079 |
| 5 years | $-8,960 |
| 7 years | $-8,841 |
| 9 years | $-8,722 |
| 11 years | $-8,603 |
| 13 years | $-8,484 |
| 15 years | $-8,365 |
| 17 years | $-8,246 |
| 19 years | $-8,127 |
| 21 years | $-8,008 |
| 23 years | $-7,889 |
| 25 years | $-7,770 |
Top Solar Installers in Little Falls
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be hard. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Little Falls
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Little Falls
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Little Falls: 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 size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,770. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Little Falls average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Little Falls homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. It's wise to include 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Little Falls is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $10,332 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $14,087 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $17,996 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $22,061 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $26,280 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $30,655 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $35,185 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $39,870 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will affect 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 some important things you should consider, such as:
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable 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 check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like to install plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Little Falls, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Little Falls?
The average cost of solar panels in Little Falls 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 things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will having 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 opt for 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 a solar system."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out 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.