Solar Panel Cost Guide in Montvale, NJ (2024 Update)
- Montvale Solar Installation Cost: $11,529
- 25-Year Savings: $9,061
- Payback Period: 15.9 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Montvale
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Montvale.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Montvale, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Montvale is around 4.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,529 for a solar installation, or $16,486 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Montvale based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Montvale can save around $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar installation company in Montvale, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Montvale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,175 |
| 3 years | $-7,468 |
| 5 years | $-4,761 |
| 7 years | $-2,053 |
| 9 years | $654 |
| 11 years | $3,361 |
| 13 years | $6,068 |
| 15 years | $8,775 |
| 17 years | $11,483 |
| 19 years | $14,190 |
| 21 years | $16,897 |
| 23 years | $19,604 |
| 25 years | $22,312 |
Top Solar Installers in Montvale
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra energy and knowledge. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Montvale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Montvale
The cost of installing a solar system in Montvale can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer 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 energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,530 per kilowatt in Montvale.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Montvale, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $7,868 | 16.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $10,886 | 16.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $14,101 | 15.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $17,514 | 15.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $21,125 | 15.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $24,934 | 15.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $28,940 | 14.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $33,144 | 14.3 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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business 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 service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
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 Montvale, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Montvale?
This is a difficult 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Montvale?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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.
Is it worth going solar in Montvale?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Montvale?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount 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.