Solar Panel Cost Guide in Salem, NJ (2024 Update)
- Salem Solar Installation Cost: $11,411
- 25-Year Savings: $13,806
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Salem
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Salem.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Salem it’s 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Salem, most homeowners require a 4.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,411, or $16,318 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Salem can save about $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Salem, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Salem
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,913 |
| 3 years | $-6,917 |
| 5 years | $-3,920 |
| 7 years | $-924 |
| 9 years | $2,073 |
| 11 years | $5,069 |
| 13 years | $8,065 |
| 15 years | $11,062 |
| 17 years | $14,058 |
| 19 years | $17,054 |
| 21 years | $20,051 |
| 23 years | $23,047 |
| 25 years | $26,044 |
Top Solar Installers in Salem
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar installers provide can be helpful as well, especially if you aren’t sure what type of solar equipment you need.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers 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 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 Salem
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Salem
There are several criteria that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
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 power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,530 per kilowatt in Salem.The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Salem, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Salem, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Salem know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $14,153 | 13.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $19,266 | 12.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $24,576 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $30,085 | 12.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $35,791 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $41,694 | 11.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $47,796 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $54,095 | 11.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
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 Salem, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Salem?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Salem?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Salem. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Salem?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Salem?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had 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.
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.