Solar Panel Cost Guide in Trenton, NY (Mar 2023)
- Trenton Solar Installation Cost: $9,540
- 25-Year Savings: $6,667
- Payback Period: 14.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Trenton
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Trenton.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Trenton is 2.95 per watt. Since a 4.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Trenton, the average price of going solar will be about $9,540 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs may look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. With average savings of about $13,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Trenton find investing in solar can pay off big.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Trenton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,892 |
| 3 years | $-7,595 |
| 5 years | $-6,299 |
| 7 years | $-5,002 |
| 9 years | $-3,706 |
| 11 years | $-2,409 |
| 13 years | $-1,113 |
| 15 years | $184 |
| 17 years | $1,480 |
| 19 years | $2,777 |
| 21 years | $4,074 |
| 23 years | $5,370 |
| 25 years | $6,667 |
Top Solar Installers in Trenton
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Trenton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Trenton
For many Trenton homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Trenton, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,950 per kilowatt in Trenton. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Trenton offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Trenton homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down 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 panels can influence the cost. Trenton's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment 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 | $3.07 | $12,886 | $8,163 | 15.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $11,215 | 15.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $14,432 | 14.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $17,814 | 14.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $21,361 | 14.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $25,073 | 13.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $28,951 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $32,994 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 Trenton, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Trenton?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Trenton?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase the value of your 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% after installing a solar system."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 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.