Solar Panel Cost Guide in Colonia, NJ (2024 Update)

  • Colonia Solar Installation Cost: $11,564
  • 25-Year Savings: $23,995
  • Payback Period: 16.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Colonia

We go over average solar pricing in Colonia.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Colonia, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.7-kW system would cost about $11,564 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Colonia homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $14,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Colonia find going solar can be quite rewarding.

To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Colonia, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Colonia

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,142
3 years $-7,297
5 years $-4,452
7 years $-1,608
9 years $1,237
11 years $4,082
13 years $6,927
15 years $9,771
17 years $12,616
19 years $15,461
21 years $18,306
23 years $21,150
25 years $23,995

Top Solar Installers in Colonia

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Another good thing about using a reputable solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.

If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Colonia:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
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 Colonia

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Colonia

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Colonia: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,530 per kilowatt in Colonia.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Colonia, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Colonia homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.

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 Colonia, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally 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 $7,466 16.8 years
8 kW $3.60 $20,163 $10,350 16.5 years
10 kW $3.53 $24,710 $13,432 16.2 years
12 kW $3.46 $29,059 $16,711 15.9 years
14 kW $3.39 $33,210 $20,188 15.5 years
16 kW $3.32 $37,164 $23,863 15.2 years
18 kW $3.25 $40,920 $27,736 14.9 years
20 kW $3.18 $44,478 $31,806 14.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you choose.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
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 Colonia, NJ Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Colonia 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Can you get solar panels for free in Colonia?

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

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Colonia?

Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.

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