Solar Panel Cost Guide in Saddle Brook, NJ (2024 Update)
- Saddle Brook Solar Installation Cost: $11,529
- 25-Year Savings: $8,804
- Payback Period: 16.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Saddle Brook
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Saddle Brook.
In Saddle Brook, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Saddle Brook 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.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Saddle Brook depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Saddle Brook see about $15,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Saddle Brook for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Saddle Brook
| 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 Saddle Brook
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. The expertise that solar installers provide can be valuable as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what type of solar equipment you need.
There are various 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 Saddle Brook
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Saddle Brook
For many Saddle Brook homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Saddle Brook, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation use 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 type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Saddle Brook, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Saddle Brook homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Saddle Brook, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and 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 go with the company that provides 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 | $7,537 | 16.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $10,444 | 16.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $13,550 | 16.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $16,853 | 15.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $20,353 | 15.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $24,051 | 15.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $27,947 | 14.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $32,041 | 14.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: When reading through 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 like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
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 Saddle Brook, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Saddle Brook?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Saddle Brook?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.