Solar Panel Cost Guide in Morris Plains, NJ (Mar 2023)
- Morris Plains Solar Installation Cost: $9,268
- 25-Year Savings: $6,915
- Payback Period: 14.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Morris Plains
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Morris Plains.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Morris Plains typically cost about 2.77. The average solar panel system size in Morris Plains is around 4.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,268 for a solar installation, or $13,253 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Morris Plains 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. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Morris Plains
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,621 |
| 3 years | $-7,326 |
| 5 years | $-6,032 |
| 7 years | $-4,737 |
| 9 years | $-3,442 |
| 11 years | $-2,148 |
| 13 years | $-853 |
| 15 years | $442 |
| 17 years | $1,737 |
| 19 years | $3,031 |
| 21 years | $4,326 |
| 23 years | $5,621 |
| 25 years | $6,915 |
Top Solar Installers in Morris Plains
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a stressful task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by offering warranties and repairs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 Morris Plains
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Morris Plains
The cost of installing a solar system in Morris Plains can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
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 nearly $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. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Morris Plains average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Morris Plains provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Morris Plains is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. Additionally, some companies in Morris Plains are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $8,221 | 14.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $11,271 | 14.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $14,477 | 14.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $17,838 | 14.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $21,354 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $25,025 | 13.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $28,851 | 13.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $32,832 | 12.9 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs 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 sign of a good company.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Morris Plains, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Morris Plains?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Morris Plains?
You can't get solar panels for free in Morris Plains. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Morris Plains?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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.