Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stillwater, NJ (2023 Update)
- Stillwater Solar Installation Cost: $9,327
- 25-Year Savings: $6,857
- Payback Period: 14.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stillwater
We break down average solar pricing in Stillwater.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Stillwater, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.77 per watt. Since a 4.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Stillwater, the average price of going solar will be about $9,327 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Stillwater depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Stillwater can save about $13,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
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 Stillwater
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,679 |
| 3 years | $-7,385 |
| 5 years | $-6,090 |
| 7 years | $-4,795 |
| 9 years | $-3,500 |
| 11 years | $-2,206 |
| 13 years | $-911 |
| 15 years | $384 |
| 17 years | $1,678 |
| 19 years | $2,973 |
| 21 years | $4,268 |
| 23 years | $5,562 |
| 25 years | $6,857 |
Top Solar Installers in Stillwater
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and expertise. That's why almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Stillwater
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stillwater
For many Stillwater homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Stillwater, 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Stillwater, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Stillwater homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can influence your pricing. Stillwater's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $8,108 | 15.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $11,121 | 14.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $14,289 | 14.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $17,612 | 14.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $21,090 | 13.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $24,723 | 13.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $28,512 | 13.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $32,455 | 13.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification 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.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- 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 large role in the company you choose.
- Warranty: Many companies 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
EcoWatch's Stillwater, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Stillwater?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $673.57 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Stillwater?
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose 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.
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.