Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Orange, NJ (Sep 2022)
- West Orange Solar Installation Cost: $9,171
- 25-Year Savings: $7,846
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Updated 9/16/2022
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Orange
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in West Orange.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in West Orange it's $3 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in West Orange, most homeowners require a 4.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $9,171, or $6,787 after 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 Orange homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $14,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in West Orange find going solar can be quite rewarding.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Orange
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,491 |
| 3 years | $-7,129 |
| 5 years | $-5,768 |
| 7 years | $-4,407 |
| 9 years | $-3,045 |
| 11 years | $-1,684 |
| 13 years | $-323 |
| 15 years | $1,039 |
| 17 years | $2,400 |
| 19 years | $3,761 |
| 21 years | $5,123 |
| 23 years | $6,484 |
| 25 years | $7,846 |
Top Solar Installers in West Orange
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in West Orange, the EcoWatch team has organized 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
The Green Panel
- 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 West Orange
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Orange
For many West Orange homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in West Orange, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment Size
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size. Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation 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 $2,770. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like West Orange, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. 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 a solid route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you 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 go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in West Orange, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $9,479 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $12,949 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $16,574 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $20,354 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $24,289 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $28,380 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $32,625 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $37,026 | 12.1 years |
Solar Incentives in West Orange
| Name | Successor Solar Incentive (SuSI) Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Solar Energy Sales Tax Exemption |
| Incentive Amount | 100% exemption |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) Registration Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | PSE&G - Solar Loan Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | NJ Clean Energy- Residential New Construction Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | COOLAdvantage Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | NJ Clean Energy- WARMAdvantage Program (Electric and Gas) |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | New Jersey Renewable Energy Incentive Program (Sustainable Biopower) |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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
The Green Panel
- 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 West Orange, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Orange?
The average cost of solar panels in West Orange is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in West Orange?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly 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 way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.
