Solar Panel Cost Guide in Maplewood, NJ (2024 Update)
- Maplewood Solar Installation Cost: $11,692
- 25-Year Savings: $7,842
- Payback Period: 17.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Maplewood
We break down average solar pricing in Maplewood.
In Maplewood, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Maplewood homeowner needs a 4.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,692 with the federal tax credit, or $16,720 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Maplewood homeowner can save around $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Maplewood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,633 |
| 3 years | $-8,514 |
| 5 years | $-6,396 |
| 7 years | $-4,278 |
| 9 years | $-2,159 |
| 11 years | $-41 |
| 13 years | $2,078 |
| 15 years | $4,196 |
| 17 years | $6,314 |
| 19 years | $8,433 |
| 21 years | $10,551 |
| 23 years | $12,670 |
| 25 years | $14,788 |
Top Solar Installers in Maplewood
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 Maplewood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Maplewood
While the average cost of a solar system in Maplewood is $11,692, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,530. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Maplewood average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Maplewood have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Maplewood, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Maplewood are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $6,159 | 17.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $8,608 | 17.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $11,254 | 17.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $14,098 | 16.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $17,139 | 16.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $20,378 | 16.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $23,815 | 15.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $27,450 | 15.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 Maplewood, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Maplewood?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Maplewood?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Maplewood. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Maplewood is currently $812,547, which means you can expect a value of about $33,314 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Maplewood is a fruitful investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.