Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mountainside, NJ (2024 Update)

  • Mountainside Solar Installation Cost: $11,528
  • 25-Year Savings: $7,971
  • Payback Period: 16.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mountainside

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Mountainside.

In Mountainside, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Because a 4.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Mountainside, the average price of going solar will be about $11,528 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Mountainside based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Mountainside homeowner can save about $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Mountainside for a customized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Mountainside

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,469
3 years $-8,351
5 years $-6,232
7 years $-4,114
9 years $-1,996
11 years $123
13 years $2,241
15 years $4,360
17 years $6,478
19 years $8,596
21 years $10,715
23 years $12,833
25 years $14,952

Top Solar Installers in Mountainside

When going solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily 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.

Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Mountainside

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mountainside

For many Mountainside homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Mountainside, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,530.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Mountainside, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Mountainside is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger 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 $6,466 17.6 years
8 kW $3.60 $20,163 $9,016 17.3 years
10 kW $3.53 $24,710 $11,764 16.9 years
12 kW $3.46 $29,059 $14,710 16.6 years
14 kW $3.39 $33,210 $17,854 16.3 years
16 kW $3.32 $37,164 $21,195 15.9 years
18 kW $3.25 $40,920 $24,734 15.6 years
20 kW $3.18 $44,478 $28,471 15.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies to choose from in Mountainside, 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:

  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
  • Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid 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 service, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
  • Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Mountainside, NJ Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mountainside?

The average cost of solar panels in Mountainside is about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Mountainside?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.

How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?

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 Mountainside is currently $852,393, which means you could be looking at a value of about $34,948 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Mountainside is a worthwhile investment.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 buy 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.

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