Solar Panel Cost Guide in Upper Saddle River, NJ (2024 Update)
- Upper Saddle River Solar Installation Cost: $11,529
- 25-Year Savings: $8,958
- Payback Period: 16.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Upper Saddle River
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Upper Saddle River.
In Upper Saddle River, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Upper Saddle River 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.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Upper Saddle River see about $15,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Upper Saddle River that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Upper Saddle River
| 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 Upper Saddle River
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a challenging project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar company too, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Upper Saddle River
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Upper Saddle River
For many Upper Saddle River homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Upper Saddle River, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Upper Saddle River, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Upper Saddle River, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s wise to factor 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
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Upper Saddle River is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Upper Saddle River know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $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
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
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 Upper Saddle River, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Upper Saddle River?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Upper Saddle River?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Upper Saddle River, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $771.81 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much 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 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.