Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mahwah, NJ (2024 Update)
- Mahwah Solar Installation Cost: $11,529
- 25-Year Savings: $9,061
- Payback Period: 15.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mahwah
We go over average solar pricing in Mahwah.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Mahwah, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Mahwah, most homeowners require a 4.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,529, or $16,486 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind 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 want to get, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $15,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Mahwah find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Mahwah for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Mahwah
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,175 |
| 3 years | $-7,468 |
| 5 years | $-4,761 |
| 7 years | $-2,053 |
| 9 years | $654 |
| 11 years | $3,361 |
| 13 years | $6,068 |
| 15 years | $8,775 |
| 17 years | $11,483 |
| 19 years | $14,190 |
| 21 years | $16,897 |
| 23 years | $19,604 |
| 25 years | $22,312 |
Top Solar Installers in Mahwah
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar company as well, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
If you're searching for a solar company in Mahwah, we've organized 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
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 Mahwah
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mahwah
The cost of installing a solar system in Mahwah can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Mahwah to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Mahwah homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you pick will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $7,868 | 16.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $10,886 | 16.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $14,101 | 15.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $17,514 | 15.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $21,125 | 15.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $24,934 | 15.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $28,940 | 14.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $33,144 | 14.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Mahwah, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mahwah?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Mahwah?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.