Solar Panel Cost Guide in Old Tappan, NJ (2024 Update)

  • Old Tappan Solar Installation Cost: $11,529
  • 25-Year Savings: $8,958
  • Payback Period: 16.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Old Tappan

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Old Tappan.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Old Tappan, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.7-kW system would cost about $11,529 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Old Tappan homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Old Tappan homeowner can save about $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Old Tappan that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Old Tappan

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,106
3 years $-7,262
5 years $-4,417
7 years $-1,572
9 years $1,273
11 years $4,117
13 years $6,962
15 years $9,807
17 years $12,652
19 years $15,496
21 years $18,341
23 years $21,186
25 years $24,031

Top Solar Installers in Old Tappan

Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a challenging undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another great thing about using a reliable solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Old Tappan:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Old Tappan

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Old Tappan

There are a number of factors that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Old Tappan, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,530 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose 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 a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s a good idea to add 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 back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can influence the cost. Old Tappan’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.

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 $7,735 16.6 years
8 kW $3.60 $20,163 $10,709 16.3 years
10 kW $3.53 $24,710 $13,880 16.0 years
12 kW $3.46 $29,059 $17,250 15.7 years
14 kW $3.39 $33,210 $20,816 15.4 years
16 kW $3.32 $37,164 $24,581 15.0 years
18 kW $3.25 $40,920 $28,543 14.7 years
20 kW $3.18 $44,478 $32,703 14.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Old Tappan, NJ Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Old Tappan?

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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

How will having solar panels impact my home value?

Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses 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.

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