Solar Panel Cost Guide in Northfield, NJ (2024 Update)
- Northfield Solar Installation Cost: $11,064
- 25-Year Savings: $14,078
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Northfield
We go over average solar pricing in Northfield.
The average cost of solar panels in Northfield is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Northfield, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,064, or $15,822 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Northfield homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Northfield homeowners see about $19,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Northfield for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Northfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,566 |
| 3 years | $-6,570 |
| 5 years | $-3,574 |
| 7 years | $-577 |
| 9 years | $2,419 |
| 11 years | $5,416 |
| 13 years | $8,412 |
| 15 years | $11,408 |
| 17 years | $14,405 |
| 19 years | $17,401 |
| 21 years | $20,397 |
| 23 years | $23,394 |
| 25 years | $26,390 |
Top Solar Installers in Northfield
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and knowledge. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
See all of the solar companies in Northfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Northfield
Though the average cost of a solar system in Northfield is $11,064, your final 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 crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,530 per kilowatt in Northfield.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Northfield, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car 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 | $3.67 | $15,419 | $15,079 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $20,501 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $26,121 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $31,938 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $37,953 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $44,165 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $50,575 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $57,183 | 10.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
EcoWatch's Northfield, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Northfield?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 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 usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost 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 places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location 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 $1,016.61 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 larger level 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.