Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Milford, NJ (2023 Update)
- West Milford Solar Installation Cost: $9,258
- 25-Year Savings: $8,668
- Payback Period: 12.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Milford
We break down average solar pricing in West Milford.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in West Milford, the average cost of a solar system is 2.77 per watt. The average West Milford homeowner needs a 4.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,249 with the federal tax credit, or $13,226 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. Despite the large upfront cost, the average West Milford homeowner can save around $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in West Milford for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in West Milford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,198 |
| 3 years | $-9,079 |
| 5 years | $-8,959 |
| 7 years | $-8,840 |
| 9 years | $-8,720 |
| 11 years | $-8,601 |
| 13 years | $-8,481 |
| 15 years | $-8,362 |
| 17 years | $-8,242 |
| 19 years | $-8,123 |
| 21 years | $-8,003 |
| 23 years | $-7,884 |
| 25 years | $-7,764 |
Top Solar Installers in West Milford
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. 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
See all of the solar companies in West Milford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Milford
Although the average cost of a solar system in West Milford is $9,249, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,770. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like West Milford, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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 difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in West Milford is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $10,427 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $14,213 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $18,154 | 12.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $22,250 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $26,502 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $30,908 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $35,470 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $40,186 | 11.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in West Milford, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you opt for.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's West Milford, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Milford?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in West Milford?
You can't get solar panels for free in West Milford. However, you may still be able to afford 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.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located 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 $750.88 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even 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 continue to use 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.