Solar Panel Cost Guide in Echelon, NJ (2024 Update)
- Echelon Solar Installation Cost: $11,511
- 25-Year Savings: $11,273
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Echelon
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Echelon.
In Echelon, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Echelon homeowner needs a 4.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,511 with the federal tax credit, or $16,461 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $17,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Echelon find investing in solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Echelon that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Echelon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,012 |
| 3 years | $-7,016 |
| 5 years | $-4,020 |
| 7 years | $-1,023 |
| 9 years | $1,973 |
| 11 years | $4,969 |
| 13 years | $7,966 |
| 15 years | $10,962 |
| 17 years | $13,959 |
| 19 years | $16,955 |
| 21 years | $19,951 |
| 23 years | $22,948 |
| 25 years | $25,944 |
Top Solar Installers in Echelon
Installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers 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 Echelon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Echelon
Cost is usually 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 Echelon: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,530 per kilowatt in Echelon.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Echelon, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited 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 Echelon offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Echelon is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $10,735 | 14.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $14,709 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $18,880 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $23,249 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $27,816 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $32,580 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $37,542 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $42,702 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types 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, such as:
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panels, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Echelon, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Echelon?
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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Echelon?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase your property’s 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.