Solar Panel Cost Guide in Watchung, NJ (Feb 2023)
- Watchung Solar Installation Cost: $9,191
- 25-Year Savings: $7,826
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Watchung
We go over average solar pricing in Watchung.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Watchung it's $3 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 4.7 would cost about $9,191 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Watchung homeowners see about $14,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Watchung
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,510 |
| 3 years | $-7,149 |
| 5 years | $-5,787 |
| 7 years | $-4,426 |
| 9 years | $-3,065 |
| 11 years | $-1,703 |
| 13 years | $-342 |
| 15 years | $1,019 |
| 17 years | $2,381 |
| 19 years | $3,742 |
| 21 years | $5,103 |
| 23 years | $6,465 |
| 25 years | $7,826 |
Top Solar Installers in Watchung
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar company since handling can be a time-consuming project. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Watchung, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Watchung
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Watchung
For many Watchung homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Watchung, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,770 per kilowatt in Watchung. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Watchung, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice 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. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can impact how much it costs. Watchung's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Watchung are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $9,462 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $12,926 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $16,545 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $20,320 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $24,250 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $28,334 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $32,574 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $36,969 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- 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 big role in the company you go with.
- 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 solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Watchung, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Watchung?
The average cost of solar panels in Watchung 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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.