Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clinton, NJ (2024 Update)
- Clinton Solar Installation Cost: $11,751
- 25-Year Savings: $6,963
- Payback Period: 18.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clinton
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Clinton.
In Clinton, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Because a 4.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Clinton, the average price of going solar will be about $11,751 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.With typical savings of about $13,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Clinton find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Clinton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,692 |
| 3 years | $-8,574 |
| 5 years | $-6,455 |
| 7 years | $-4,337 |
| 9 years | $-2,218 |
| 11 years | $-100 |
| 13 years | $2,018 |
| 15 years | $4,137 |
| 17 years | $6,255 |
| 19 years | $8,374 |
| 21 years | $10,492 |
| 23 years | $12,610 |
| 25 years | $14,729 |
Top Solar Installers in Clinton
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, going with a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Clinton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clinton
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Clinton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly 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 electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,530 per kilowatt in Clinton.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Clinton have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.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 off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Clinton, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car 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 | $4,999 | 18.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $7,061 | 18.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $9,320 | 18.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $11,777 | 17.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $14,432 | 17.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $17,285 | 17.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $20,335 | 16.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $23,583 | 16.3 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. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panels, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system 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 the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Clinton, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clinton?
The average cost of solar panels in Clinton is about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Clinton?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often 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 get the most savings.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in Clinton?
Though 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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to 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.