Solar Panel Cost Guide in Passaic, NJ (2023 Update)
- Passaic Solar Installation Cost: $9,249
- 25-Year Savings: $8,601
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Passaic
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Passaic.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Passaic is 2.77 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Passaic is around 4.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,249 for a solar installation, or $13,226 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Passaic homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Passaic can save around $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Passaic, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Passaic
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,535 |
| 3 years | $-7,107 |
| 5 years | $-5,679 |
| 7 years | $-4,251 |
| 9 years | $-2,823 |
| 11 years | $-1,395 |
| 13 years | $33 |
| 15 years | $1,461 |
| 17 years | $2,889 |
| 19 years | $4,317 |
| 21 years | $5,745 |
| 23 years | $7,173 |
| 25 years | $8,601 |
Top Solar Installers in Passaic
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra time and expertise. For that reason, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. 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 Passaic
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Passaic
For many Passaic homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Passaic, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,770. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Passaic to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Passaic homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Passaic, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $10,332 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $14,087 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $17,996 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $22,061 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $26,280 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $30,655 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $35,185 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $39,870 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company 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:
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
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 Passaic, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Passaic?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Passaic?
You can't get solar panels for free in Passaic. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate 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?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had 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.