Solar Panel Cost Guide in Trenton, NJ (Mar 2023)
- Trenton Solar Installation Cost: $9,152
- 25-Year Savings: $8,306
- Payback Period: 13.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Trenton
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Trenton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Trenton it's 2.77 per watt. Because a 4.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Trenton, the average price of going solar will be about $9,152 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Trenton depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Trenton see about $14,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Trenton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,454 |
| 3 years | $-7,057 |
| 5 years | $-5,660 |
| 7 years | $-4,264 |
| 9 years | $-2,867 |
| 11 years | $-1,470 |
| 13 years | $-74 |
| 15 years | $1,323 |
| 17 years | $2,720 |
| 19 years | $4,116 |
| 21 years | $5,513 |
| 23 years | $6,910 |
| 25 years | $8,306 |
Top Solar Installers in Trenton
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a challenging task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another benefit of utilizing a solar company is that they can help you maximize your ROI by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. 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
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 Trenton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Trenton
There are a number of factors that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Trenton, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,770 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Trenton average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Trenton homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can affect how much you pay. Trenton's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of 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 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 | $10,112 | 13.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $13,793 | 13.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $17,629 | 13.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $21,621 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $25,767 | 12.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $30,068 | 12.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $34,525 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $39,137 | 11.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers 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.
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 Trenton, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Trenton?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Trenton?
Solar panels aren't free in Trenton, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is it worth going solar in Trenton?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even 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 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.