Solar Panel Cost Guide in Riverside, NJ (2025 Update)
- Riverside 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 Riverside
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Riverside.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Riverside generally cost around 4.Because a 4.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Riverside, the average price of going solar will be about $11,389 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Riverside see about $15,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Riverside for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Riverside
| 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 Riverside
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.
If you're searching for a solar company in Riverside, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in Riverside
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Riverside
While the average cost of a solar system in Riverside is $11,389, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,530 per kilowatt in Riverside.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Riverside to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Riverside, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of 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 discount 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
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- 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 large role in the company you choose.
- 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 company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
EcoWatch's Riverside, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Riverside?
The average cost of solar panels in Riverside is about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Riverside?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
How long do solar panels last in Riverside?
Though 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 opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.