Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clayton, NJ (2024 Update)
- Clayton Solar Installation Cost: $11,485
- 25-Year Savings: $13,749
- Payback Period: 12.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clayton
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Clayton.
In Clayton, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Clayton homeowner needs a 4.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,485 with the federal tax credit, or $16,424 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Clayton homeowners see about $19,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Clayton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,987 |
| 3 years | $-6,990 |
| 5 years | $-3,994 |
| 7 years | $-998 |
| 9 years | $1,999 |
| 11 years | $4,995 |
| 13 years | $7,992 |
| 15 years | $10,988 |
| 17 years | $13,984 |
| 19 years | $16,981 |
| 21 years | $19,977 |
| 23 years | $22,973 |
| 25 years | $25,970 |
Top Solar Installers in Clayton
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Clayton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clayton
There are many factors that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Clayton, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,530 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Clayton, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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
Most solar installers in Clayton have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Clayton 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 installation company you select will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $13,963 | 13.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $19,013 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $24,260 | 12.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $29,705 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $35,348 | 12.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $41,188 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $47,226 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $53,462 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Clayton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Clayton, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Clayton?
The average cost of solar panels in Clayton is about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things 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 Clayton?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 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.