Solar Panel Cost Guide in Watchung, NJ (2024 Update)
- Watchung 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 Watchung
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Watchung.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Watchung is 4 per watt.Because a 4.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Watchung, the average price of going solar will be about $11,701 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Watchung, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Watchung
| 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 Watchung
When going solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since handling can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you’re not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Watchung
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Watchung
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Watchung is $11,701, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
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, your total will most likely increase by about $3,530. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Watchung, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Watchung homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and better 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 down 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 | $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 brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Watchung, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Watchung?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Watchung?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Does Watchung have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.