Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westfield, NJ (Mar 2023)
- Westfield Solar Installation Cost: $9,055
- 25-Year Savings: $7,962
- Payback Period: 13.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westfield
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Westfield.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Westfield typically cost around 2.77. Using this figure, a typical 4.7-kW system would cost about $9,055 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Westfield can save around $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Westfield, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Westfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,374 |
| 3 years | $-7,013 |
| 5 years | $-5,652 |
| 7 years | $-4,290 |
| 9 years | $-2,929 |
| 11 years | $-1,568 |
| 13 years | $-206 |
| 15 years | $1,155 |
| 17 years | $2,516 |
| 19 years | $3,878 |
| 21 years | $5,239 |
| 23 years | $6,601 |
| 25 years | $7,962 |
Top Solar Installers in Westfield
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Westfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westfield
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Westfield: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production require 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. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Westfield to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Westfield homeowners, they can also raise 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
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can impact the cost. Westfield's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Westfield know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $9,785 | 13.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $13,357 | 13.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $17,084 | 13.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $20,967 | 13.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $25,004 | 12.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $29,196 | 12.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $33,544 | 12.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $38,047 | 12.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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
Tesla Energy
- 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 Westfield, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Westfield?
The average cost of solar panels in Westfield 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 use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Westfield?
Solar panels aren't free in Westfield, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.