Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Caldwell, NJ (2024 Update)
- North Caldwell Solar Installation Cost: $11,692
- 25-Year Savings: $7,842
- Payback Period: 17.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Caldwell
We break down average solar pricing in North Caldwell.
In North Caldwell, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in North Caldwell, most homeowners require a 4.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,692, or $16,720 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.With average savings of about $14,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in North Caldwell find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in North Caldwell
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-10,633 |
3 years | $-8,514 |
5 years | $-6,396 |
7 years | $-4,278 |
9 years | $-2,159 |
11 years | $-41 |
13 years | $2,078 |
15 years | $4,196 |
17 years | $6,314 |
19 years | $8,433 |
21 years | $10,551 |
23 years | $12,670 |
25 years | $14,788 |
Top Solar Installers in North Caldwell
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in North Caldwell
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Caldwell
Although the average cost of a solar system in North Caldwell is $11,692, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,530. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think 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 for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in North Caldwell have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.It’s a good idea to factor 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 final major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in North Caldwell, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $6,159 | 17.9 years |
8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $8,608 | 17.5 years |
10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $11,254 | 17.2 years |
12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $14,098 | 16.8 years |
14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $17,139 | 16.5 years |
16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $20,378 | 16.1 years |
18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $23,815 | 15.8 years |
20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $27,450 | 15.5 years |
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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- 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 significant 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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's North Caldwell, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in North Caldwell?
The average cost of solar panels in North Caldwell is about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in North Caldwell?
Solar panels aren’t free in North Caldwell, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout North Caldwell, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had 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.