Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lopatcong, NJ (2024 Update)
- Lopatcong 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 Lopatcong
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Lopatcong.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Lopatcong generally cost around 4.Since a 4.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Lopatcong, 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 above or below the average in Lopatcong depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Lopatcong can save around $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lopatcong
| 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 Lopatcong
When going solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your home.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Lopatcong:
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Lopatcong
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lopatcong
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Lopatcong: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels 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 Lopatcong.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Lopatcong, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Lopatcong to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.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
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can impact how much it costs. Lopatcong’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 compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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 | $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
The solar panel company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind 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 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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Lopatcong, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lopatcong?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other 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 opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.