Solar Panel Cost Guide in Upper Saddle River, NJ (Mar 2023)

  • Upper Saddle River Solar Installation Cost: $9,055
  • 25-Year Savings: $8,950
  • Payback Period: 12.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Upper Saddle River

See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Upper Saddle River.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Upper Saddle River generally cost about 2.77. Using this figure, a typical 4.7-kW system would cost about $9,055 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Upper Saddle River can save about $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Upper Saddle River for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Upper Saddle River

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-8,335
3 years $-6,895
5 years $-5,454
7 years $-4,014
9 years $-2,573
11 years $-1,133
13 years $307
15 years $1,748
17 years $3,188
19 years $4,628
21 years $6,069
23 years $7,509
25 years $8,950

Top Solar Installers in Upper Saddle River

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Upper Saddle River

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Upper Saddle River

The cost of installing a solar system in Upper Saddle River can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,770. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you select will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 $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 a lot of companies available in Upper Saddle River, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
  • Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Upper Saddle River, NJ Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install 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 stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Can you get solar panels for free in Upper Saddle River?

You can't get solar panels for free in Upper Saddle River. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $771.81 per year.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.

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