Solar Panel Cost Guide in Trenton, NY (2024 Update)
- Trenton Solar Installation Cost: $11,803
- 25-Year Savings: $6,667
- Payback Period: 18.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Trenton
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Trenton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Trenton it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.6-kW system would cost about $11,803 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Trenton for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Trenton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,895 |
| 3 years | $-9,078 |
| 5 years | $-7,261 |
| 7 years | $-5,443 |
| 9 years | $-3,626 |
| 11 years | $-1,809 |
| 13 years | $8 |
| 15 years | $1,825 |
| 17 years | $3,642 |
| 19 years | $5,459 |
| 21 years | $7,277 |
| 23 years | $9,094 |
| 25 years | $10,911 |
Top Solar Installers in Trenton
When going solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installation company since handling can be a time-consuming project. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over time.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Trenton:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Trenton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Trenton
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Trenton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Trenton, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Trenton, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Trenton homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down 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 go with to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Trenton, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Trenton have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $3.80 | $15,943 | $5,106 | 18.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $7,217 | 18.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $9,532 | 18.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $12,051 | 17.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $14,775 | 17.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $17,704 | 17.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $20,836 | 16.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $24,174 | 16.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Trenton, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Trenton?
The average cost of solar panels in Trenton is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider aside from 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.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.