Solar Panel Cost Guide in Frankford, NJ (2024 Update)
- Frankford Solar Installation Cost: $11,874
- 25-Year Savings: $8,615
- Payback Period: 16.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Frankford
We go over average solar pricing in Frankford.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Frankford it’s 4 per watt.The average Frankford homeowner needs a 4.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,874 with the federal tax credit, or $16,980 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you may vary based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Frankford homeowner can save around $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Frankford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,815 |
| 3 years | $-8,696 |
| 5 years | $-6,578 |
| 7 years | $-4,460 |
| 9 years | $-2,341 |
| 11 years | $-223 |
| 13 years | $1,896 |
| 15 years | $4,014 |
| 17 years | $6,132 |
| 19 years | $8,251 |
| 21 years | $10,369 |
| 23 years | $12,488 |
| 25 years | $14,606 |
Top Solar Installers in Frankford
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Frankford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Frankford
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Frankford: 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 major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,530.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Frankford to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Frankford, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits 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 | $6,972 | 17.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $9,692 | 16.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $12,609 | 16.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $15,723 | 16.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $19,036 | 15.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $22,546 | 15.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $26,254 | 15.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $30,159 | 14.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Frankford, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.
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 Frankford, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Frankford?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Frankford?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 buy 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.