Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Plainfield, NJ (2024 Update)
- South Plainfield Solar Installation Cost: $11,564
- 25-Year Savings: $8,776
- Payback Period: 16.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Plainfield
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in South Plainfield.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in South Plainfield, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Since a 4.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in South Plainfield, the average price of going solar will be about $11,564 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of South Plainfield homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $14,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in South Plainfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,142 |
| 3 years | $-7,297 |
| 5 years | $-4,452 |
| 7 years | $-1,608 |
| 9 years | $1,237 |
| 11 years | $4,082 |
| 13 years | $6,927 |
| 15 years | $9,771 |
| 17 years | $12,616 |
| 19 years | $15,461 |
| 21 years | $18,306 |
| 23 years | $21,150 |
| 25 years | $23,995 |
Top Solar Installers in South Plainfield
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Another great thing about choosing a top solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in South Plainfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Plainfield
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in South Plainfield: 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
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in South Plainfield, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,530 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly influence 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 decide on 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 falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in South Plainfield is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $7,466 | 16.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $10,350 | 16.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $13,432 | 16.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $16,711 | 15.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $20,188 | 15.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $23,863 | 15.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $27,736 | 14.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $31,806 | 14.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in South Plainfield, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power 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 secure and what the project timeline is.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's South Plainfield, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in South Plainfield?
The average cost of solar panels in South Plainfield is about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in South Plainfield?
You can’t get solar panels for free in South Plainfield. However, you may still be able to install 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.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely 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.