Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hawthorne, NJ (2024 Update)
- Hawthorne Solar Installation Cost: $11,798
- 25-Year Savings: $23,761
- Payback Period: 16.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hawthorne
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Hawthorne.
The average cost of solar panels in Hawthorne is 4 per watt.Because a 4.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Hawthorne, the average price of going solar will be about $11,798 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Hawthorne depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With typical savings of about $14,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Hawthorne find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hawthorne
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,376 |
| 3 years | $-7,531 |
| 5 years | $-4,686 |
| 7 years | $-1,841 |
| 9 years | $1,003 |
| 11 years | $3,848 |
| 13 years | $6,693 |
| 15 years | $9,537 |
| 17 years | $12,382 |
| 19 years | $15,227 |
| 21 years | $18,072 |
| 23 years | $20,916 |
| 25 years | $23,761 |
Top Solar Installers in Hawthorne
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra energy and know-how. That's why almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies provide can be invaluable as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Hawthorne
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hawthorne
The cost of installing a solar system in Hawthorne can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,530 per kilowatt in Hawthorne.The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Hawthorne homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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 finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will impact your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Hawthorne are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $7,207 | 17.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $10,004 | 16.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $12,999 | 16.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $16,192 | 16.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $19,583 | 15.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $23,171 | 15.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $26,957 | 15.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $30,941 | 14.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Hawthorne, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
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 Hawthorne, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hawthorne?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Hawthorne, 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 many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.