Solar Panel Cost Guide in Independence, NJ (2024 Update)
- Independence Solar Installation Cost: $11,855
- 25-Year Savings: $6,881
- Payback Period: 18.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Independence
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Independence.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Independence, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Because a 4.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Independence, the average price of going solar will be about $11,855 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Independence depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Independence homeowner can save about $13,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Independence
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,796 |
| 3 years | $-8,678 |
| 5 years | $-6,559 |
| 7 years | $-4,441 |
| 9 years | $-2,323 |
| 11 years | $-204 |
| 13 years | $1,914 |
| 15 years | $4,033 |
| 17 years | $6,151 |
| 19 years | $8,269 |
| 21 years | $10,388 |
| 23 years | $12,506 |
| 25 years | $14,625 |
Top Solar Installers in Independence
Installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over time.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Independence
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Independence
The cost of installing a solar system in Independence can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think 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 researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Independence, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Independence, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $4,820 | 19.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $6,822 | 18.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $9,022 | 18.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $11,419 | 17.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $14,014 | 17.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $16,807 | 17.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $19,797 | 16.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $22,985 | 16.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- 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 look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Independence, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Independence?
The average cost of solar panels in Independence 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Independence?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically 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 option if you want to maximize your savings.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
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 decide to replace them once you've had 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.