Solar Panel Cost Guide in West New York, NJ (2023 Update)
- West New York Solar Installation Cost: $8,919
- 25-Year Savings: $8,931
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West New York
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in West New York.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in West New York, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.77 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in West New York, most homeowners require a 4.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $8,919, or $12,754 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of West New York homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West New York
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,205 |
| 3 years | $-6,777 |
| 5 years | $-5,349 |
| 7 years | $-3,921 |
| 9 years | $-2,493 |
| 11 years | $-1,065 |
| 13 years | $363 |
| 15 years | $1,791 |
| 17 years | $3,219 |
| 19 years | $4,647 |
| 21 years | $6,075 |
| 23 years | $7,503 |
| 25 years | $8,931 |
Top Solar Installers in West New York
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar company too, which can save you more money over time.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 New York
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West New York
Even though the average cost of a solar system in West New York is $8,919, 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 residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
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, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,770. The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for West New York homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in West New York, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and 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 pricing because of greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $2.88 | $12,099 | $11,176 | 13.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $15,212 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $19,402 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $23,748 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $28,249 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $32,905 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $37,716 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $42,683 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in West New York, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- 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 choose.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 positive reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through completely 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.
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 New York, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West New York?
The average cost of solar panels in West New York 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 certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in West New York?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically 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 way to go if you want to maximize your 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 $775.85 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 replace them once you've had 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.