Solar Panel Cost Guide in Closter, NJ (2024 Update)
- Closter Solar Installation Cost: $11,529
- 25-Year Savings: $9,061
- Payback Period: 15.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Closter
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Closter.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Closter it’s 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Closter, most homeowners require a 4.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,529, or $16,486 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of going solar can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Closter can save about $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar company in Closter, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Closter
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,175 |
| 3 years | $-7,468 |
| 5 years | $-4,761 |
| 7 years | $-2,053 |
| 9 years | $654 |
| 11 years | $3,361 |
| 13 years | $6,068 |
| 15 years | $8,775 |
| 17 years | $11,483 |
| 19 years | $14,190 |
| 21 years | $16,897 |
| 23 years | $19,604 |
| 25 years | $22,312 |
Top Solar Installers in Closter
Installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels 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 Closter
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Closter
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Closter: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,530.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Closter offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Closter homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Closter is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $7,868 | 16.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $10,886 | 16.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $14,101 | 15.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $17,514 | 15.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $21,125 | 15.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $24,934 | 15.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $28,940 | 14.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $33,144 | 14.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two 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.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
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 Closter, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Closter?
This is a difficult 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Closter?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Closter. 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’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Closter?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had 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.