Solar Panel Cost Guide in Northvale, NJ (2024 Update)
- Northvale Solar Installation Cost: $11,529
- 25-Year Savings: $9,061
- Payback Period: 15.9 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Northvale
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Northvale.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Northvale it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Northvale is around 4.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,529 for a solar installation, or $16,486 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $15,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Northvale, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Northvale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,175 |
| 3 years | $-7,468 |
| 5 years | $-4,761 |
| 7 years | $-2,053 |
| 9 years | $654 |
| 11 years | $3,361 |
| 13 years | $6,068 |
| 15 years | $8,775 |
| 17 years | $11,483 |
| 19 years | $14,190 |
| 21 years | $16,897 |
| 23 years | $19,604 |
| 25 years | $22,312 |
Top Solar Installers in Northvale
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your family.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Northvale:
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 Northvale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Northvale
The cost of installing a solar system in Northvale can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends 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
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Northvale, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,530 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Northvale average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Northvale homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining your pricing. Northvale’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $7,868 | 16.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $10,886 | 16.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $14,101 | 15.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $17,514 | 15.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $21,125 | 15.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $24,934 | 15.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $28,940 | 14.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $33,144 | 14.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.
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 Northvale, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Northvale?
The average cost of solar panels in Northvale 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 things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Northvale?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Does Northvale have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.