Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mount Arlington, NJ (2023 Update)
- Mount Arlington Solar Installation Cost: $9,268
- 25-Year Savings: $6,915
- Payback Period: 14.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mount Arlington
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in Mount Arlington.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Mount Arlington, the average cost of solar panels is 2.77 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Mount Arlington, most homeowners require a 4.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $9,268, or $13,253 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Mount Arlington homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the high upfront cost, the average Mount Arlington homeowner can save around $13,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Mount Arlington
| 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 Mount Arlington
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, especially if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Mount Arlington:
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 Mount Arlington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mount Arlington
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Mount Arlington: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,770 per kilowatt in Mount Arlington. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 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. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Mount Arlington homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to 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 finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Mount Arlington, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 solar panel company you choose will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer 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.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you choose.
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 Mount Arlington, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mount Arlington?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Mount Arlington, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.