Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Orange, NJ (2023 Update)
- West Orange Solar Installation Cost: $9,175
- 25-Year Savings: $7,842
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Orange
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in West Orange.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in West Orange typically cost around 2.77. The average West Orange homeowner needs a 4.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,171 with the federal tax credit, or $13,115 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in West Orange based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Orange
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,116 |
| 3 years | $-5,997 |
| 5 years | $-3,879 |
| 7 years | $-1,760 |
| 9 years | $358 |
| 11 years | $2,476 |
| 13 years | $4,595 |
| 15 years | $6,713 |
| 17 years | $8,832 |
| 19 years | $10,950 |
| 21 years | $13,068 |
| 23 years | $15,187 |
| 25 years | $17,305 |
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 be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're searching for a solar installer in West Orange, we've 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
See all of the solar companies in West Orange
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Orange
The cost of installing a solar system in West Orange can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the West Orange average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in West Orange to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for West Orange 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 cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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 | $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 |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly affects your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- 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.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- 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 expectations you should have 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 Orange, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install 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 real cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in West Orange?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $719.28 per year.
How long do solar panels last in West Orange?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production 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.