Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Arlington, NJ (2023 Update)

  • North Arlington Solar Installation Cost: $9,047
  • 25-Year Savings: $8,804
  • Payback Period: 12.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 North Arlington

We break down average solar pricing in North Arlington.

The average cost of solar panels in North Arlington is 2.77 per watt. Because a 4.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in North Arlington, the average price of going solar will be about $9,055 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $15,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in North Arlington

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-8,987
3 years $-8,868
5 years $-8,749
7 years $-8,630
9 years $-8,511
11 years $-8,392
13 years $-8,273
15 years $-8,154
17 years $-8,035
19 years $-7,916
21 years $-7,797
23 years $-7,678
25 years $-7,559

Top Solar Installers in North Arlington

DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

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 North Arlington

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Arlington

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in North Arlington: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that's in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many North Arlington homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in North Arlington, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into your budget.

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 $10,856 13.2 years
8 kW $2.83 $15,822 $14,785 12.9 years
10 kW $2.77 $19,390 $18,870 12.7 years
12 kW $2.71 $22,803 $23,109 12.4 years
14 kW $2.66 $26,060 $27,503 12.2 years
16 kW $2.60 $29,163 $32,053 11.9 years
18 kW $2.55 $32,110 $36,757 11.7 years
20 kW $2.49 $34,902 $41,617 11.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
  • Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
  • Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline incentives 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 North Arlington, NJ Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in North Arlington?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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 higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Is going solar worth it?

Solar panels can be a great investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.

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 generally 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.

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