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

  • Hawthorne Solar Installation Cost: $11,798
  • 25-Year Savings: $23,761
  • Payback Period: 16.4 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 Hawthorne

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Hawthorne.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Hawthorne is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.8-kW system would cost about $11,798 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Hawthorne can save around $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

To get a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Hawthorne, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Hawthorne

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,376
3 years $-7,531
5 years $-4,686
7 years $-1,841
9 years $1,003
11 years $3,848
13 years $6,693
15 years $9,537
17 years $12,382
19 years $15,227
21 years $18,072
23 years $20,916
25 years $23,761

Top Solar Installers in Hawthorne

Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra energy and expertise. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, especially if you aren’t sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.

Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

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 Hawthorne

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hawthorne

The cost of installing a solar system in Hawthorne can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.

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 electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,530 per kilowatt in Hawthorne.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Hawthorne, 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 a better option. 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 big investment. That’s why many Hawthorne homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can impact your pricing. Hawthorne’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have 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 $7,207 17.0 years
8 kW $3.60 $20,163 $10,004 16.7 years
10 kW $3.53 $24,710 $12,999 16.4 years
12 kW $3.46 $29,059 $16,192 16.1 years
14 kW $3.39 $33,210 $19,583 15.7 years
16 kW $3.32 $37,164 $23,171 15.4 years
18 kW $3.25 $40,920 $26,957 15.1 years
20 kW $3.18 $44,478 $30,941 14.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

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

  • 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.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.

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 Hawthorne, NJ Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $754.19 per year.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.

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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