Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kearny, NJ (2024 Update)
- Kearny Solar Installation Cost: $11,370
- 25-Year Savings: $8,928
- Payback Period: 15.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kearny
We break down average solar pricing in Kearny.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Kearny generally cost around 4.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Kearny, most homeowners require a 4.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,370, or $16,259 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.Even with the large initial cost, the average Kearny homeowner can save about $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Kearny, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Kearny
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,948 |
| 3 years | $-7,103 |
| 5 years | $-4,258 |
| 7 years | $-1,414 |
| 9 years | $1,431 |
| 11 years | $4,276 |
| 13 years | $7,120 |
| 15 years | $9,965 |
| 17 years | $12,810 |
| 19 years | $15,655 |
| 21 years | $18,499 |
| 23 years | $21,344 |
| 25 years | $24,189 |
Top Solar Installers in Kearny
Installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives.
Working with a vetted solar installer 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 Kearny
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kearny
There are several factors that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Kearny, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Kearny homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Kearny, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $7,856 | 16.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $10,871 | 16.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $14,082 | 15.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $17,492 | 15.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $21,099 | 15.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $24,904 | 15.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $28,906 | 14.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $33,107 | 14.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Kearny, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and 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.
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 Kearny, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Kearny?
This is a tough 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. It will be more expensive 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 choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Kearny?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Kearny. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Kearny?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.