Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Caldwell, NJ (2025 Update)
- West Caldwell Solar Installation Cost: $11,692
- 25-Year Savings: $7,842
- Payback Period: 17.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Caldwell
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in West Caldwell.
In West Caldwell, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Because a 4.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in West Caldwell, the average price of going solar will be about $11,692 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in West Caldwell can save about $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in West Caldwell
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,633 |
| 3 years | $-8,514 |
| 5 years | $-6,396 |
| 7 years | $-4,278 |
| 9 years | $-2,159 |
| 11 years | $-41 |
| 13 years | $2,078 |
| 15 years | $4,196 |
| 17 years | $6,314 |
| 19 years | $8,433 |
| 21 years | $10,551 |
| 23 years | $12,670 |
| 25 years | $14,788 |
Top Solar Installers in West Caldwell
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra labor and know-how. For that reason, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’re not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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
See all of the solar companies in West Caldwell
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Caldwell
Though the average cost of a solar system in West Caldwell is $11,692, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,530.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far 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 a solid choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for West Caldwell homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can influence the cost. West Caldwell’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion 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 | $6,159 | 17.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $8,608 | 17.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $11,254 | 17.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $14,098 | 16.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $17,139 | 16.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $20,378 | 16.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $23,815 | 15.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $27,450 | 15.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in West Caldwell, 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:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have 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.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it 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
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 West Caldwell, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Caldwell?
The average cost of solar panels in West Caldwell is about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in West Caldwell?
A solar panel system isn’t free in West Caldwell, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.