Solar Panel Cost Guide in City of Orange, NJ (2024 Update)
- City of Orange Solar Installation Cost: $11,692
- 25-Year Savings: $8,676
- Payback Period: 16.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in City of Orange
See how much it might cost to go solar in City of Orange.
The average cost of solar panels in City of Orange is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in City of Orange is around 4.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,692 for a solar installation, or $16,720 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average City of Orange homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average City of Orange homeowner can save about $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in City of Orange, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in City of Orange
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,270 |
| 3 years | $-7,425 |
| 5 years | $-4,580 |
| 7 years | $-1,735 |
| 9 years | $1,109 |
| 11 years | $3,954 |
| 13 years | $6,799 |
| 15 years | $9,644 |
| 17 years | $12,488 |
| 19 years | $15,333 |
| 21 years | $18,178 |
| 23 years | $21,022 |
| 25 years | $23,867 |
Top Solar Installers in City of Orange
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company too, which can save you more money over time.
If you're looking for a solar installer in City of Orange, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in City of Orange
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in City of Orange
For many City of Orange homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in City of Orange, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in City of Orange, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,530 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install 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 many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many City of Orange homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in City of Orange is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 | $7,216 | 17.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $10,017 | 16.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $13,015 | 16.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $16,211 | 16.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $19,605 | 15.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $23,196 | 15.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $26,985 | 15.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $30,972 | 14.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in City of Orange, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's City of Orange, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in City of Orange?
The average cost of solar panels in City of Orange 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 such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout City of Orange, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level 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.