Solar Panel Cost Guide in Madison, NJ (Mar 2023)
- Madison Solar Installation Cost: $9,268
- 25-Year Savings: $13,111
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Madison
We go over average solar pricing in Madison.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Madison typically cost about 2.77. Because a 4.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Madison, the average price of going solar will be about $9,268 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Madison homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Madison
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,373 |
| 3 years | $-6,583 |
| 5 years | $-4,793 |
| 7 years | $-3,002 |
| 9 years | $-1,212 |
| 11 years | $578 |
| 13 years | $2,369 |
| 15 years | $4,159 |
| 17 years | $5,949 |
| 19 years | $7,740 |
| 21 years | $9,530 |
| 23 years | $11,320 |
| 25 years | $13,111 |
Top Solar Installers in Madison
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Another advantage of using a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your ROI by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Madison
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Madison
Although the average cost of a solar system in Madison is $9,268, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,770. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Madison, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Madison is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $16,000 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $21,643 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $27,442 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $33,395 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $39,504 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $45,768 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $52,187 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $58,762 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Madison, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Madison, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Madison?
The average cost of solar panels in Madison 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Madison have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation 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 how much 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 account for 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.