Solar Panel Cost Guide in White, NJ (2024 Update)

  • White Solar Installation Cost: $11,855
  • 25-Year Savings: $7,261
  • Payback Period: 17.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated April 21, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in White

Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in White.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in White generally cost about 4.The average White homeowner needs a 4.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,855 with the federal tax credit, or $16,953 before the 0 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 consumption, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $13,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in White find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in White

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-10,796
3 years$-8,678
5 years$-6,559
7 years$-4,441
9 years$-2,323
11 years$-204
13 years$1,914
15 years$4,033
17 years$6,151
19 years$8,269
21 years$10,388
23 years$12,506
25 years$14,625

Top Solar Installers in White

Putting up solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another great thing about going with a reliable solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.

Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0
  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in White

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in White

Although the average cost of a solar system in White is $11,855, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in White, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,530 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the White average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in White, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can impact how much it costs. White’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more 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 promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.67$15,419$5,29518.6 years
8 kW$3.60$20,163$7,45518.3 years
10 kW$3.53$24,710$9,81417.9 years
12 kW$3.46$29,059$12,36917.5 years
14 kW$3.39$33,210$15,12317.2 years
16 kW$3.32$37,164$18,07416.8 years
18 kW$3.25$40,920$21,22316.5 years
20 kW$3.18$44,478$24,56916.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar panels, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0
  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's White, NJ Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in White?

The average cost of solar panels in White is about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in White?

Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How long do solar panels last in White?

Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to 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.