Solar Panel Cost Guide in Warren, NJ (2024 Update)
- Warren Solar Installation Cost: $11,701
- 25-Year Savings: $7,835
- Payback Period: 17.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Warren
We go over average solar pricing in Warren.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Warren, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average Warren homeowner needs a 4.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,701 with the federal tax credit, or $16,732 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Warren depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Warren
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,642 |
| 3 years | $-8,524 |
| 5 years | $-6,405 |
| 7 years | $-4,287 |
| 9 years | $-2,168 |
| 11 years | $-50 |
| 13 years | $2,068 |
| 15 years | $4,187 |
| 17 years | $6,305 |
| 19 years | $8,424 |
| 21 years | $10,542 |
| 23 years | $12,660 |
| 25 years | $14,779 |
Top Solar Installers in Warren
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Warren
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Warren
There are many criteria that can play into your total 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower 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 can expect 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Warren homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can influence your pricing. Warren’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.67 | $15,419 | $6,142 | 17.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $8,585 | 17.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $11,225 | 17.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $14,064 | 16.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $17,099 | 16.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $20,333 | 16.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $23,764 | 15.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $27,393 | 15.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’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.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- 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 likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Warren, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Warren?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Warren?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $718.71 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Warren?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose 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.