Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Milford, NJ (2024 Update)
- West Milford Solar Installation Cost: $11,798
- 25-Year Savings: $8,668
- Payback Period: 16.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Milford
We go over average solar pricing in West Milford.
In West Milford, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 4.8-kW system would cost about $11,798 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in West Milford depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in West Milford can save around $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Milford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,680 |
| 3 years | $-8,444 |
| 5 years | $-6,208 |
| 7 years | $-3,971 |
| 9 years | $-1,735 |
| 11 years | $501 |
| 13 years | $2,737 |
| 15 years | $4,973 |
| 17 years | $7,209 |
| 19 years | $9,445 |
| 21 years | $11,682 |
| 23 years | $13,918 |
| 25 years | $16,154 |
Top Solar Installers in West Milford
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but working with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 West Milford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Milford
The cost of installing a solar system in West Milford can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,530. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like West Milford, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many West Milford homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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 | $7,107 | 17.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $9,872 | 16.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $12,834 | 16.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $15,994 | 16.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $19,352 | 15.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $22,907 | 15.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $26,660 | 15.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $30,610 | 14.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
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 West Milford, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Milford?
The average cost of solar panels in West Milford 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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in West Milford?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in West Milford?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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 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.