Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plainfield, NJ (2024 Update)
- Plainfield Solar Installation Cost: $11,528
- 25-Year Savings: $8,804
- Payback Period: 16.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Plainfield
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Plainfield.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Plainfield, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Plainfield is around 4.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,528 for a solar installation, or $16,485 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Plainfield depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $15,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Plainfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,106 |
| 3 years | $-7,261 |
| 5 years | $-4,417 |
| 7 years | $-1,572 |
| 9 years | $1,273 |
| 11 years | $4,118 |
| 13 years | $6,962 |
| 15 years | $9,807 |
| 17 years | $12,652 |
| 19 years | $15,497 |
| 21 years | $18,341 |
| 23 years | $21,186 |
| 25 years | $24,031 |
Top Solar Installers in Plainfield
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Another great thing about using a reputable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Plainfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plainfield
There are a number of criteria that can affect 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
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Plainfield, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $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 get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Plainfield average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Plainfield, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Plainfield is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes 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 | $7,537 | 16.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $10,445 | 16.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $13,550 | 16.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $16,854 | 15.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $20,354 | 15.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $24,053 | 15.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $27,949 | 14.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $32,043 | 14.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
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 Plainfield, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Plainfield?
The average cost of solar panels in Plainfield is about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Plainfield?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Plainfield?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 higher amount 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.