Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stratford, NJ (2024 Update)
- Stratford Solar Installation Cost: $11,511
- 25-Year Savings: $11,273
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stratford
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Stratford.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Stratford it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Stratford is around 4.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,511 for a solar installation, or $16,461 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $17,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Stratford find going solar can be quite rewarding.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Stratford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,012 |
| 3 years | $-7,016 |
| 5 years | $-4,020 |
| 7 years | $-1,023 |
| 9 years | $1,973 |
| 11 years | $4,969 |
| 13 years | $7,966 |
| 15 years | $10,962 |
| 17 years | $13,959 |
| 19 years | $16,955 |
| 21 years | $19,951 |
| 23 years | $22,948 |
| 25 years | $25,944 |
Top Solar Installers in Stratford
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra energy and handiness. That's why almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money over time.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
See all of the solar companies in Stratford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stratford
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Stratford: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Stratford average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Stratford offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Stratford, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $10,735 | 14.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $14,709 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $18,880 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $23,249 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $27,816 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $32,580 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $37,542 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $42,702 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar energy system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
EcoWatch's Stratford, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Stratford?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Stratford?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces 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?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.