Solar Panel Cost Guide in Scotch Plains, NJ (2024 Update)

  • Scotch Plains Solar Installation Cost: $11,528
  • 25-Year Savings: $7,971
  • Payback Period: 16.9 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 Scotch Plains

We break down average solar pricing in Scotch Plains.

The average cost of solar panels in Scotch Plains is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Scotch Plains, most homeowners require a 4.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,528, or $16,485 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Scotch Plains depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Scotch Plains can save about $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Scotch Plains, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Scotch Plains

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,469
3 years $-8,351
5 years $-6,232
7 years $-4,114
9 years $-1,996
11 years $123
13 years $2,241
15 years $4,360
17 years $6,478
19 years $8,596
21 years $10,715
23 years $12,833
25 years $14,952

Top Solar Installers in Scotch Plains

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installer since handling can be a time-consuming project. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.

Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

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 Scotch Plains

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Scotch Plains

The cost of installing a solar system in Scotch Plains can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,530.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Scotch Plains average.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Scotch Plains to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can affect the cost. Scotch Plains’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Scotch Plains know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.

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 $6,466 17.6 years
8 kW $3.60 $20,163 $9,016 17.3 years
10 kW $3.53 $24,710 $11,764 16.9 years
12 kW $3.46 $29,059 $14,710 16.6 years
14 kW $3.39 $33,210 $17,854 16.3 years
16 kW $3.32 $37,164 $21,195 15.9 years
18 kW $3.25 $40,920 $24,734 15.6 years
20 kW $3.18 $44,478 $28,471 15.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many companies to choose from in Scotch Plains, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.

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 Scotch Plains, NJ Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Scotch Plains?

The average cost of solar panels in Scotch Plains is about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?

Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Scotch Plains is currently $701,341, so you can expect a value of about $28,755 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Scotch Plains is a rewarding investment.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.

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