Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Plainfield, NJ (2024 Update)
- North Plainfield Solar Installation Cost: $11,701
- 25-Year Savings: $23,858
- Payback Period: 16.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Plainfield
We break down average solar pricing in North Plainfield.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in North Plainfield generally cost around 4.The average solar panel system size in North Plainfield is around 4.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,701 for a solar installation, or $16,732 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs may differ based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.With typical savings of about $14,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in North Plainfield find investing in solar can pay off big.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in North Plainfield, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in North Plainfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,279 |
| 3 years | $-7,434 |
| 5 years | $-4,589 |
| 7 years | $-1,745 |
| 9 years | $1,100 |
| 11 years | $3,945 |
| 13 years | $6,790 |
| 15 years | $9,634 |
| 17 years | $12,479 |
| 19 years | $15,324 |
| 21 years | $18,168 |
| 23 years | $21,013 |
| 25 years | $23,858 |
Top Solar Installers in North Plainfield
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since installing solar panels on your own can be challenging. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, especially if you don’t quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in North Plainfield:
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 North Plainfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Plainfield
Though the average cost of a solar system in North Plainfield is $11,701, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
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 ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many North Plainfield homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes 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 | $7,198 | 17.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $9,993 | 16.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $12,985 | 16.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $16,175 | 16.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $19,563 | 15.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $23,149 | 15.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $26,932 | 15.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $30,913 | 14.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
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 North Plainfield, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in North Plainfield?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in North Plainfield?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How long do solar panels last in North Plainfield?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production 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.