Solar Panel Cost Guide in Upper Montclair, NJ (2023 Update)
- Upper Montclair Solar Installation Cost: $9,171
- 25-Year Savings: $8,679
- Payback Period: 12.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Upper Montclair
We go over average solar pricing in Upper Montclair.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Upper Montclair typically cost about 2.77. Since a 4.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Upper Montclair, the average price of going solar will be about $9,171 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Upper Montclair homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Upper Montclair can save around $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a top solar company in Upper Montclair, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Upper Montclair
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,457 |
| 3 years | $-7,029 |
| 5 years | $-5,601 |
| 7 years | $-4,173 |
| 9 years | $-2,745 |
| 11 years | $-1,317 |
| 13 years | $111 |
| 15 years | $1,539 |
| 17 years | $2,967 |
| 19 years | $4,395 |
| 21 years | $5,823 |
| 23 years | $7,251 |
| 25 years | $8,679 |
Top Solar Installers in Upper Montclair
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your home.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Upper Montclair:
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 Upper Montclair
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Upper Montclair
For many Upper Montclair homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Upper Montclair, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Upper Montclair, 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 consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,770 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you choose 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 come at a higher price 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 add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Upper Montclair have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. 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 lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can affect the cost. Upper Montclair's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $2.88 | $12,099 | $10,536 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $14,358 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $18,335 | 12.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $22,468 | 12.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $26,755 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $31,198 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $35,795 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $40,548 | 11.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you opt for.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Upper Montclair, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Upper Montclair?
The average cost of solar panels in Upper Montclair 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Upper Montclair?
A solar panel system isn't free in Upper Montclair, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Upper Montclair?
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 decide 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.