Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hackensack, NJ (2024 Update)
- Hackensack Solar Installation Cost: $11,529
- 25-Year Savings: $8,804
- Payback Period: 16.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hackensack
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Hackensack.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Hackensack typically cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in Hackensack is around 4.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,529 for a solar installation, or $16,486 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Hackensack see about $15,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Hackensack, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hackensack
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,106 |
| 3 years | $-7,262 |
| 5 years | $-4,417 |
| 7 years | $-1,572 |
| 9 years | $1,273 |
| 11 years | $4,117 |
| 13 years | $6,962 |
| 15 years | $9,807 |
| 17 years | $12,652 |
| 19 years | $15,496 |
| 21 years | $18,341 |
| 23 years | $21,186 |
| 25 years | $24,031 |
Top Solar Installers in Hackensack
When going solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Hackensack
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hackensack
While the average cost of a solar system in Hackensack is $11,529, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
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 Hackensack.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Hackensack, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Hackensack to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Hackensack is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $7,537 | 16.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $10,444 | 16.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $13,550 | 16.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $16,853 | 15.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $20,353 | 15.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $24,051 | 15.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $27,947 | 14.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $32,041 | 14.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
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 Hackensack, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hackensack?
This is a difficult 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 more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Hackensack, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even 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 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.