Solar Panel Cost Guide in Woodcliff Lake, NJ (2024 Update)

  • Woodcliff Lake Solar Installation Cost: $11,529
  • 25-Year Savings: $8,958
  • Payback Period: 16.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Woodcliff Lake

Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Woodcliff Lake.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Woodcliff Lake typically cost around 4.The average Woodcliff Lake homeowner needs a 4.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,529 with the federal tax credit, or $16,486 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 use, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Woodcliff Lake can save about $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

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

Solar savings over time in Woodcliff Lake

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,106
3 years $-7,262
5 years $-4,417
7 years $-1,572
9 years $1,273
11 years $4,117
13 years $6,962
15 years $9,807
17 years $12,652
19 years $15,496
21 years $18,341
23 years $21,186
25 years $24,031

Top Solar Installers in Woodcliff Lake

DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’re unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:

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 Woodcliff Lake

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Woodcliff Lake

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Woodcliff Lake: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,530.The type 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, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Woodcliff Lake average.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Woodcliff Lake provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Woodcliff Lake 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

The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Woodcliff Lake, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $3.67 $15,419 $7,735 16.6 years
8 kW $3.60 $20,163 $10,709 16.3 years
10 kW $3.53 $24,710 $13,880 16.0 years
12 kW $3.46 $29,059 $17,250 15.7 years
14 kW $3.39 $33,210 $20,816 15.4 years
16 kW $3.32 $37,164 $24,581 15.0 years
18 kW $3.25 $40,920 $28,543 14.7 years
20 kW $3.18 $44,478 $32,703 14.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies available in Woodcliff Lake, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you 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.
  • Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before making your decision.

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 Woodcliff Lake, NJ Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Woodcliff Lake?

The average cost of solar panels in Woodcliff Lake 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 stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Woodcliff Lake?

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 don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property 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.

Is it worth going solar in Woodcliff Lake?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

How long do solar panels last in Woodcliff Lake?

Even 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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.

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