Solar Panel Cost Guide in Maplewood, NJ (2024 Update)
- Maplewood Solar Installation Cost: $11,692
- 25-Year Savings: $7,842
- Payback Period: 17.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Maplewood
We break down average solar pricing in Maplewood.
In Maplewood, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Maplewood homeowner needs a 4.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,692 with the federal tax credit, or $16,720 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Maplewood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,633 |
| 3 years | $-8,514 |
| 5 years | $-6,396 |
| 7 years | $-4,278 |
| 9 years | $-2,159 |
| 11 years | $-41 |
| 13 years | $2,078 |
| 15 years | $4,196 |
| 17 years | $6,314 |
| 19 years | $8,433 |
| 21 years | $10,551 |
| 23 years | $12,670 |
| 25 years | $14,788 |
Top Solar Installers in Maplewood
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your family.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Maplewood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Maplewood
The cost of installing a solar system in Maplewood can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Maplewood, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,530 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type 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 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Maplewood homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Maplewood, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $6,159 | 17.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $8,608 | 17.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $11,254 | 17.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $14,098 | 16.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $17,139 | 16.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $20,378 | 16.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $23,815 | 15.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $27,450 | 15.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 Maplewood, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Maplewood?
The average cost of solar panels in Maplewood 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 things 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 Maplewood?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Maplewood. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Maplewood is currently $812,547, so you could be looking at a value of about $33,314 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Maplewood is a worthwhile investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.