Solar Panel Cost Guide in Riverdale, NJ (2024 Update)
- Riverdale Solar Installation Cost: $11,808
- 25-Year Savings: $8,122
- Payback Period: 17.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Riverdale
We break down average solar pricing in Riverdale.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Riverdale generally cost around 4.The average Riverdale homeowner needs a 4.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,808 with the federal tax credit, or $16,885 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $14,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Riverdale find going solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Riverdale for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Riverdale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,749 |
| 3 years | $-8,630 |
| 5 years | $-6,512 |
| 7 years | $-4,394 |
| 9 years | $-2,275 |
| 11 years | $-157 |
| 13 years | $1,962 |
| 15 years | $4,080 |
| 17 years | $6,198 |
| 19 years | $8,317 |
| 21 years | $10,435 |
| 23 years | $12,554 |
| 25 years | $14,672 |
Top Solar Installers in Riverdale
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your home.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. 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 Riverdale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Riverdale
There are several criteria that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,530.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof 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. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Riverdale to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can influence your pricing. Riverdale’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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 | $6,412 | 17.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $8,945 | 17.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $11,676 | 17.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $14,604 | 16.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $17,730 | 16.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $21,053 | 16.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $24,574 | 15.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $28,293 | 15.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- 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 project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you opt for.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
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 Riverdale, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Riverdale?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Riverdale have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.