Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clifton, NJ (2024 Update)
- Clifton Solar Installation Cost: $11,798
- 25-Year Savings: $8,592
- Payback Period: 16.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clifton
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Clifton.
In Clifton, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 4.8-kW system would cost about $11,798 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Clifton depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With average savings of about $14,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Clifton find installing solar panels can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Clifton for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Clifton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,376 |
| 3 years | $-7,531 |
| 5 years | $-4,686 |
| 7 years | $-1,841 |
| 9 years | $1,003 |
| 11 years | $3,848 |
| 13 years | $6,693 |
| 15 years | $9,537 |
| 17 years | $12,382 |
| 19 years | $15,227 |
| 21 years | $18,072 |
| 23 years | $20,916 |
| 25 years | $23,761 |
Top Solar Installers in Clifton
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra effort and knowledge. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Another benefit of using a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your ROI by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
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 nearby:
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 Clifton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clifton
For many Clifton homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Clifton, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Clifton, one of the most crucial 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 consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,530 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Clifton average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Clifton homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Clifton, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $7,013 | 17.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $9,745 | 16.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $12,676 | 16.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $15,804 | 16.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $19,130 | 15.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $22,654 | 15.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $26,375 | 15.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $30,294 | 14.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
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 Clifton, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Clifton?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Clifton?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Clifton, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Clifton is currently $514,371, which means you can expect a value of about $21,089 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Clifton is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.