Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stratford, NJ (Mar 2023)
- Stratford Solar Installation Cost: $9,036
- 25-Year Savings: $11,270
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stratford
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Stratford.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Stratford it's 2.77 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Stratford is around 4.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,036 for a solar installation, or $12,921 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Stratford can save about $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Stratford for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Stratford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,224 |
| 3 years | $-6,599 |
| 5 years | $-4,975 |
| 7 years | $-3,350 |
| 9 years | $-1,726 |
| 11 years | $-101 |
| 13 years | $1,523 |
| 15 years | $3,148 |
| 17 years | $4,772 |
| 19 years | $6,396 |
| 21 years | $8,021 |
| 23 years | $9,645 |
| 25 years | $11,270 |
Top Solar Installers in Stratford
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Stratford:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Stratford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stratford
While the average cost of a solar system in Stratford is $9,036, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
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 electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,770 per kilowatt in Stratford. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Stratford to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. 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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Stratford is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to more resources and better 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 discount 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 | $2.88 | $12,099 | $14,055 | 11.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $19,050 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $24,200 | 11.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $29,505 | 10.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $34,966 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $40,581 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $46,352 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $52,278 | 10.0 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:
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Stratford, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Stratford?
The average cost of solar panels in Stratford is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Stratford?
You can't get solar panels for free in Stratford. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Stratford?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 install 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.