Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rutherford, PA (2024 Update)
- Rutherford Solar Installation Cost: $16,690
- 25-Year Savings: $12,751
- Payback Period: 16.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rutherford
We break down average solar pricing in Rutherford.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Rutherford, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Rutherford, most homeowners require a 6.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,690, or $23,867 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Rutherford can save about $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Rutherford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,396 |
| 3 years | $-12,808 |
| 5 years | $-10,219 |
| 7 years | $-7,630 |
| 9 years | $-5,042 |
| 11 years | $-2,453 |
| 13 years | $135 |
| 15 years | $2,724 |
| 17 years | $5,313 |
| 19 years | $7,901 |
| 21 years | $10,490 |
| 23 years | $13,078 |
| 25 years | $15,667 |
Top Solar Installers in Rutherford
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a challenging undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another benefit of utilizing a solar company is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are a number of 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 Rutherford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rutherford
For many Rutherford homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Rutherford, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,550.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Rutherford, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Rutherford homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. 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
The solar installation company you pick will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $6,594 | 17.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,190 | 17.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $11,984 | 16.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $14,977 | 16.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $18,169 | 16.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $21,560 | 15.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $25,150 | 15.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $28,938 | 15.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose greatly affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- 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 considerable role in the company you go with.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and 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 Rutherford, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rutherford?
The average cost of solar panels in Rutherford is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Rutherford?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Rutherford. 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.
Is it worth going solar in Rutherford?
Solar panels can be a great investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Rutherford?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having 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.