Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rutherford, PA (2025 Update)

  • Rutherford Solar Installation Cost: $16,690
  • 25-Year Savings: $12,751
  • Payback Period: 16.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated January 24, 2025

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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 Rutherford

We break down average solar pricing in Rutherford.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Rutherford, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.7-kW system would cost about $16,690 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Rutherford homeowners see about $14,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Rutherford

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-15,396
3 years$-12,808
5 years$-10,219
7 years$-7,630
9 years$-5,042
11 years$-2,453
13 years$135
15 years$2,724
17 years$5,313
19 years$7,901
21 years$10,490
23 years$13,078
25 years$15,667

Top Solar Installers in Rutherford

Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be hard. Another benefit of going with a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your return of investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.

If you're searching for a solar installer in Rutherford, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:

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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 Rutherford

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rutherford

There are several criteria that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels 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 better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,550.The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Rutherford offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Rutherford homeowners, they can also increase 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

The last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Rutherford, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Rutherford know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.69$15,506$6,59417.5 years
8 kW$3.62$20,278$9,19017.2 years
10 kW$3.55$24,850$11,98416.9 years
12 kW$3.48$29,224$14,97716.5 years
14 kW$3.41$33,398$18,16916.2 years
16 kW$3.34$37,374$21,56015.9 years
18 kW$3.27$41,152$25,15015.5 years
20 kW$3.19$44,730$28,93815.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many companies available in Rutherford, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before making your decision.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
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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 Rutherford, PA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rutherford?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Rutherford?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Rutherford. However, you may still be able to install 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.

Is making the switch to solar worth it?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

How long do solar panels last in Rutherford?

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 higher level 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.