Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ramblewood, NJ (2024 Update)
- Ramblewood Solar Installation Cost: $11,389
- 25-Year Savings: $8,913
- Payback Period: 16.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ramblewood
We go over average solar pricing in Ramblewood.
The average cost of solar panels in Ramblewood is 4 per watt.The average Ramblewood homeowner needs a 4.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,389 with the federal tax credit, or $16,286 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ramblewood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,967 |
| 3 years | $-7,122 |
| 5 years | $-4,278 |
| 7 years | $-1,433 |
| 9 years | $1,412 |
| 11 years | $4,257 |
| 13 years | $7,101 |
| 15 years | $9,946 |
| 17 years | $12,791 |
| 19 years | $15,636 |
| 21 years | $18,480 |
| 23 years | $21,325 |
| 25 years | $24,170 |
Top Solar Installers in Ramblewood
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Plus, if you’re not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Ramblewood:
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Ramblewood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ramblewood
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Ramblewood: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Ramblewood, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Ramblewood to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can influence the cost. Ramblewood’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 costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to 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 companies.
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 | $7,817 | 16.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $10,819 | 16.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $14,017 | 16.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $17,414 | 15.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $21,008 | 15.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $24,800 | 15.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $28,790 | 14.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $32,977 | 14.4 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 durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Ramblewood, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ramblewood?
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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Ramblewood?
Solar panels aren’t free in Ramblewood, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 goes down 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.