Solar Panel Cost Guide in Newark, NJ (Oct 2022)
- Newark Solar Installation Cost: $9,171
- 25-Year Savings: $8,679
- Payback Period: 12.8 Years
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Updated 9/16/2022
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Newark
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Newark.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Newark is $3 per watt. Because a 4.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Newark, the average price of going solar will be about $9,171 before claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. Despite the large initial cost, the average Newark homeowner can save about $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Newark that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Newark
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,457 |
| 3 years | $-7,029 |
| 5 years | $-5,601 |
| 7 years | $-4,173 |
| 9 years | $-2,745 |
| 11 years | $-1,317 |
| 13 years | $111 |
| 15 years | $1,539 |
| 17 years | $2,967 |
| 19 years | $4,395 |
| 21 years | $5,823 |
| 23 years | $7,251 |
| 25 years | $8,679 |
Top Solar Installers in Newark
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and expertise. That's why most people choose a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers offer can be valuable as well, particularly if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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
The Green Panel
- 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 Newark
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Newark
The cost of installing a solar system in Newark can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment Size
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Newark, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,770 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
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 Newark homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Newark, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $10,536 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $14,358 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $18,335 | 12.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $22,468 | 12.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $26,755 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $31,198 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $35,795 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $40,548 | 11.6 years |
Solar Incentives in Newark
| Name | Successor Solar Incentive (SuSI) Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Solar Energy Sales Tax Exemption |
| Incentive Amount | 100% exemption |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) Registration Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | PSE&G - Solar Loan Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | NJ Clean Energy- Residential New Construction Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | COOLAdvantage Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | NJ Clean Energy- WARMAdvantage Program (Electric and Gas) |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | New Jersey Renewable Energy Incentive Program (Sustainable Biopower) |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
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
The Green Panel
- 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 Newark, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Newark?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $754.50 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.
