Solar Panel Cost Guide in Upper Saddle River, NJ (2023 Update)
- Upper Saddle River Solar Installation Cost: $9,047
- 25-Year Savings: $8,958
- Payback Period: 12.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Upper Saddle River
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Upper Saddle River.
In Upper Saddle River, solar panels cost about 2.77 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 4.7-kW system would cost about $9,055 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Upper Saddle River based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Upper Saddle River can save about $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Upper Saddle River for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Upper Saddle River
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,987 |
| 3 years | $-8,866 |
| 5 years | $-8,746 |
| 7 years | $-8,626 |
| 9 years | $-8,506 |
| 11 years | $-8,386 |
| 13 years | $-8,266 |
| 15 years | $-8,146 |
| 17 years | $-8,026 |
| 19 years | $-7,906 |
| 21 years | $-7,786 |
| 23 years | $-7,666 |
| 25 years | $-7,546 |
Top Solar Installers in Upper Saddle River
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Upper Saddle River:
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 Saddle River
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Upper Saddle River
There are several factors that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Upper Saddle River, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge 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 panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Upper Saddle River have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. 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 principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can play a role in determining how much it costs. Upper Saddle River's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price 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 go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within 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 | $11,055 | 13.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $15,050 | 12.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $19,200 | 12.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $23,506 | 12.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $27,967 | 12.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $32,582 | 11.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $37,353 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $42,279 | 11.3 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
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 Saddle River, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Upper Saddle River?
The average cost of solar panels in Upper Saddle River is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Upper Saddle River is currently $1,013,900, which means you can look forward to a value of about $41,570 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Upper Saddle River is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.