Solar Panel Cost Guide in Montclair, NJ (2024 Update)
- Montclair Solar Installation Cost: $11,692
- 25-Year Savings: $8,676
- Payback Period: 16.4 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Montclair
We go over average solar pricing in Montclair.
In Montclair, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Montclair 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 Montclair homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Montclair see about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Montclair for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Montclair
| 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 Montclair
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, going with a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Montclair
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Montclair
Although the average cost of a solar system in Montclair is $11,692, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Montclair, 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 gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total 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. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Montclair average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Montclair, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Montclair, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Montclair have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $7,216 | 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
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
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 Montclair, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Montclair?
The average cost of solar panels in Montclair 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 stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Montclair?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Montclair is currently $974,979, which means you can look forward to a value of about $39,974 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Montclair is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Montclair?
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.