Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wanaque, NJ (2024 Update)

  • Wanaque Solar Installation Cost: $11,798
  • 25-Year Savings: $7,750
  • Payback Period: 17.3 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 Wanaque

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Wanaque.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Wanaque, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Wanaque is around 4.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,798 for a solar installation, or $16,871 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 equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Wanaque homeowners see about $14,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Wanaque

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,739
3 years $-8,620
5 years $-6,502
7 years $-4,384
9 years $-2,265
11 years $-147
13 years $1,972
15 years $4,090
17 years $6,208
19 years $8,327
21 years $10,445
23 years $12,564
25 years $14,682

Top Solar Installers in Wanaque

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:

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 Wanaque

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wanaque

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Wanaque: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,530 per kilowatt in Wanaque.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Wanaque average.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Wanaque homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Wanaque, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

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 $5,954 18.0 years
8 kW $3.60 $20,163 $8,334 17.7 years
10 kW $3.53 $24,710 $10,912 17.3 years
12 kW $3.46 $29,059 $13,688 17.0 years
14 kW $3.39 $33,210 $16,661 16.6 years
16 kW $3.32 $37,164 $19,832 16.3 years
18 kW $3.25 $40,920 $23,200 16.0 years
20 kW $3.18 $44,478 $26,767 15.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:

  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you choose.
  • Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.

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 Wanaque, NJ Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Wanaque?

The average cost of solar panels in Wanaque is about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Is it worth going solar in Wanaque?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

How long do solar panels last in Wanaque?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.

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