Solar Panel Cost Guide in Passaic, NJ (2025 Update)
- Passaic Solar Installation Cost: $11,798
- 25-Year Savings: $8,592
- Payback Period: 16.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Passaic
We go over average solar pricing in Passaic.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Passaic generally cost around 4.Since a 4.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Passaic, the average price of going solar will be about $11,798 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Passaic based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Despite the high initial cost, the average Passaic homeowner can save around $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Passaic
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,376 |
| 3 years | $-7,531 |
| 5 years | $-4,686 |
| 7 years | $-1,841 |
| 9 years | $1,003 |
| 11 years | $3,848 |
| 13 years | $6,693 |
| 15 years | $9,537 |
| 17 years | $12,382 |
| 19 years | $15,227 |
| 21 years | $18,072 |
| 23 years | $20,916 |
| 25 years | $23,761 |
Top Solar Installers in Passaic
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Passaic
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Passaic
Although the average cost of a solar system in Passaic is $11,798, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Passaic, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,530 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s wise to add 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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can influence how much you pay. Passaic’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $7,013 | 17.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $9,745 | 16.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $12,676 | 16.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $15,804 | 16.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $19,130 | 15.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $22,654 | 15.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $26,375 | 15.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $30,294 | 14.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
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 Passaic, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Passaic?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Passaic?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 financial benefits from going solar.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Passaic, 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 contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.