Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rockaway, NJ (Feb 2023)
- Rockaway Solar Installation Cost: $9,268
- 25-Year Savings: $7,608
- Payback Period: 13.7 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rockaway
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Rockaway.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Rockaway typically cost about $3. Using this figure, a typical 4.8 would cost about $9,268 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Rockaway homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $13,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Rockaway find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rockaway
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,593 |
| 3 years | $-7,243 |
| 5 years | $-5,893 |
| 7 years | $-4,543 |
| 9 years | $-3,193 |
| 11 years | $-1,843 |
| 13 years | $-493 |
| 15 years | $857 |
| 17 years | $2,208 |
| 19 years | $3,558 |
| 21 years | $4,908 |
| 23 years | $6,258 |
| 25 years | $7,608 |
Top Solar Installers in Rockaway
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your home.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Rockaway
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rockaway
For many Rockaway homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Rockaway, 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 size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,770. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Rockaway, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Rockaway homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Rockaway, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $9,090 | 14.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $12,431 | 14.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $15,926 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $19,577 | 13.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $23,383 | 13.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $27,344 | 12.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $31,460 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $35,731 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Rockaway, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. 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 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 Rockaway, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rockaway?
The average cost of solar panels in Rockaway is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Rockaway, 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 long do solar panels last in Rockaway?
On average, solar panels can last 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 larger 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.