Solar Panel Cost Guide in Scotch Plains, NJ (2024 Update)
- Scotch Plains Solar Installation Cost: $11,528
- 25-Year Savings: $7,971
- Payback Period: 16.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Scotch Plains
We break down average solar pricing in Scotch Plains.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Scotch Plains generally cost around 4.Since a 4.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Scotch Plains, the average price of going solar will be about $11,528 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Scotch Plains see about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in Scotch Plains for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Scotch Plains
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,469 |
| 3 years | $-8,351 |
| 5 years | $-6,232 |
| 7 years | $-4,114 |
| 9 years | $-1,996 |
| 11 years | $123 |
| 13 years | $2,241 |
| 15 years | $4,360 |
| 17 years | $6,478 |
| 19 years | $8,596 |
| 21 years | $10,715 |
| 23 years | $12,833 |
| 25 years | $14,952 |
Top Solar Installers in Scotch Plains
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Another great thing about using a top solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Scotch Plains
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Scotch Plains
There are many criteria that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Scotch Plains, one of the most important 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 electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,530 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Scotch Plains average.
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 Scotch Plains homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Scotch Plains, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $6,466 | 17.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $9,016 | 17.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $11,764 | 16.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $14,710 | 16.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $17,854 | 16.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $21,195 | 15.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $24,734 | 15.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $28,471 | 15.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
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 Scotch Plains, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Scotch Plains?
The average cost of solar panels in Scotch Plains is about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the model 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?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Scotch Plains is currently $701,341, so you can look forward to a value of about $28,755 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Scotch Plains is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs 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 home 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.