Solar Panel Cost Guide in East Hanover, PA (2023 Update)
- East Hanover Solar Installation Cost: $11,989
- 25-Year Savings: $12,965
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in East Hanover
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in East Hanover.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in East Hanover, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.55 per watt. Because a 6.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in East Hanover, the average price of going solar will be about $11,995 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in East Hanover based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. With typical savings of about $14,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in East Hanover find installing solar panels can pay off big.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in East Hanover
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,906 |
| 3 years | $-11,739 |
| 5 years | $-11,573 |
| 7 years | $-11,407 |
| 9 years | $-11,240 |
| 11 years | $-11,074 |
| 13 years | $-10,908 |
| 15 years | $-10,741 |
| 17 years | $-10,575 |
| 19 years | $-10,408 |
| 21 years | $-10,242 |
| 23 years | $-10,076 |
| 25 years | $-9,909 |
Top Solar Installers in East Hanover
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in East Hanover, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in East Hanover
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East Hanover
There are a number of criteria that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels 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 $2,550 per kilowatt in East Hanover. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like East Hanover, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for East Hanover homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in East Hanover, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.65 | $11,138 | $11,154 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,157 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $19,303 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $23,592 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $28,024 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $32,599 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $37,316 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $42,177 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in East Hanover, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's East Hanover, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in East Hanover?
The average cost of solar panels in East Hanover is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in East Hanover?
You can't get solar panels for free in East Hanover. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in East Hanover is currently $226,177, which means you could be looking at a value of about $9,273 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in East Hanover is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses 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 house 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.