Solar Panel Cost Guide in Watchung, NJ (2024 Update)
- Watchung Solar Installation Cost: $11,701
- 25-Year Savings: $7,835
- Payback Period: 17.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Watchung
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Watchung.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Watchung, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Since a 4.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Watchung, the average price of going solar will be about $11,701 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will look different based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Watchung homeowner can save about $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Watchung for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Watchung
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,642 |
| 3 years | $-8,524 |
| 5 years | $-6,405 |
| 7 years | $-4,287 |
| 9 years | $-2,168 |
| 11 years | $-50 |
| 13 years | $2,068 |
| 15 years | $4,187 |
| 17 years | $6,305 |
| 19 years | $8,424 |
| 21 years | $10,542 |
| 23 years | $12,660 |
| 25 years | $14,779 |
Top Solar Installers in Watchung
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be hard. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Watchung, the EcoWatch team has put together 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 Watchung
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Watchung
Though the average cost of a solar system in Watchung is $11,701, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Watchung, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,530 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Watchung homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Watchung is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater 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 down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $6,142 | 17.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $8,585 | 17.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $11,225 | 17.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $14,064 | 16.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $17,099 | 16.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $20,333 | 16.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $23,764 | 15.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $27,393 | 15.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- 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 your solar system’s energy production.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it 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 Watchung, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Watchung?
The average cost of solar panels in Watchung 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 stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Watchung?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Watchung?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power 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 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.