Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Plainfield, NJ (2023 Update)
- North Plainfield Solar Installation Cost: $9,191
- 25-Year Savings: $8,660
- Payback Period: 12.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Plainfield
We go over average solar pricing in North Plainfield.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in North Plainfield, the average cost of a solar system is 2.77 per watt. Because a 4.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in North Plainfield, the average price of going solar will be about $9,191 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $14,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in North Plainfield find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in North Plainfield that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in North Plainfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,477 |
| 3 years | $-7,049 |
| 5 years | $-5,621 |
| 7 years | $-4,193 |
| 9 years | $-2,765 |
| 11 years | $-1,337 |
| 13 years | $91 |
| 15 years | $1,519 |
| 17 years | $2,947 |
| 19 years | $4,376 |
| 21 years | $5,804 |
| 23 years | $7,232 |
| 25 years | $8,660 |
Top Solar Installers in North Plainfield
Installing solar panels on your own can be a challenging undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in North Plainfield:
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 North Plainfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Plainfield
The cost of installing a solar system in North Plainfield can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,770. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like North Plainfield, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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 solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. 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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in North Plainfield is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. 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 cost more. It's best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also is within 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 | $10,518 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $14,334 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $18,305 | 12.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $22,432 | 12.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $26,713 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $31,150 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $35,742 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $40,489 | 11.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- 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 likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
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 North Plainfield, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in North Plainfield?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in North Plainfield?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property 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 savings from going solar.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in North Plainfield is currently $266,214, so you could be looking at a value of about $10,915 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in North Plainfield is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in North Plainfield?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.