Solar Panel Cost Guide in Northfield, NJ (2023 Update)
- Northfield Solar Installation Cost: $8,682
- 25-Year Savings: $14,078
- Payback Period: 9.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Northfield
We break down average solar pricing in Northfield.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Northfield, the average cost of solar panels is 2.77 per watt. Since a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Northfield, the average price of going solar will be about $8,687 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear 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 be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $19,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Northfield find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Northfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,606 |
| 3 years | $-8,455 |
| 5 years | $-8,303 |
| 7 years | $-8,151 |
| 9 years | $-7,999 |
| 11 years | $-7,848 |
| 13 years | $-7,696 |
| 15 years | $-7,544 |
| 17 years | $-7,393 |
| 19 years | $-7,241 |
| 21 years | $-7,089 |
| 23 years | $-6,937 |
| 25 years | $-6,786 |
Top Solar Installers in Northfield
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a difficult project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Northfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Northfield
There are several factors that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, 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 nearly $2,770. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Northfield average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Northfield, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. It's wise to factor 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 back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Northfield is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $2.88 | $12,099 | $18,399 | 9.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $24,842 | 9.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $31,441 | 9.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $38,194 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $45,103 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $52,166 | 9.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $59,385 | 8.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $66,759 | 8.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Northfield, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Northfield, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Northfield?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 extra 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 choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important 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 think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs 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 household 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.