Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stafford, NJ (2024 Update)

  • Stafford Solar Installation Cost: $10,964
  • 25-Year Savings: $11,526
  • Payback Period: 13.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stafford

We break down average solar pricing in Stafford.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Stafford it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.4-kW system would cost about $10,964 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Stafford see about $17,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Stafford

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-9,466
3 years $-6,470
5 years $-3,474
7 years $-477
9 years $2,519
11 years $5,516
13 years $8,512
15 years $11,508
17 years $14,505
19 years $17,501
21 years $20,498
23 years $23,494
25 years $26,490

Top Solar Installers in Stafford

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Since solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Stafford

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stafford

The cost of installing a solar system in Stafford can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,530. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, 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’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Stafford homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Stafford, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car 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 $11,800 14.2 years
8 kW $3.60 $20,163 $16,129 13.9 years
10 kW $3.53 $24,710 $20,655 13.6 years
12 kW $3.46 $29,059 $25,380 13.3 years
14 kW $3.39 $33,210 $30,301 13.1 years
16 kW $3.32 $37,164 $35,421 12.8 years
18 kW $3.25 $40,920 $40,738 12.5 years
20 kW $3.18 $44,478 $46,253 12.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Stafford, NJ Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Stafford?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Stafford?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Stafford?

The majority of states have 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 energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.

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.

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