Solar Panel Cost Guide in Springfield, NJ (2024 Update)
- Springfield Solar Installation Cost: $11,528
- 25-Year Savings: $7,971
- Payback Period: 16.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Springfield
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Springfield.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Springfield typically cost about 4.Since a 4.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Springfield, the average price of going solar will be about $11,528 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Springfield based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Springfield can save around $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Springfield
| 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 Springfield
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, especially if you aren’t sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Springfield, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Springfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Springfield
There are several factors that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Springfield, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Springfield homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Springfield is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount 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 | $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
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
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 Springfield, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Springfield?
This is a tough 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Springfield?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Springfield. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Springfield, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had 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.