Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ridgefield Park, NJ (Mar 2023)
- Ridgefield Park Solar Installation Cost: $9,055
- 25-Year Savings: $8,795
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ridgefield Park
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Ridgefield Park.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Ridgefield Park typically cost about 2.77. The average Ridgefield Park homeowner needs a 4.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,055 with the federal tax credit, or $12,949 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. With average savings of about $15,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Ridgefield Park find going solar can pay off big.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ridgefield Park
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,341 |
| 3 years | $-6,913 |
| 5 years | $-5,485 |
| 7 years | $-4,057 |
| 9 years | $-2,629 |
| 11 years | $-1,201 |
| 13 years | $227 |
| 15 years | $1,655 |
| 17 years | $3,083 |
| 19 years | $4,511 |
| 21 years | $5,939 |
| 23 years | $7,367 |
| 25 years | $8,795 |
Top Solar Installers in Ridgefield Park
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Ridgefield Park
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ridgefield Park
For many Ridgefield Park homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Ridgefield Park, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,770. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Ridgefield Park to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's crucial to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more 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 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 | $10,856 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $14,785 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $18,870 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $23,109 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $27,503 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $32,053 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $36,757 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $41,617 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Ridgefield Park, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ridgefield Park?
This is a difficult 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Ridgefield Park?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically 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 tax rebates and credits 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 Ridgefield Park?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.