Is $35,000 to install a 26-panel solar system a fair price?
Project Details
I'm confused about moving forward with solar due to hearing horror stories about contracts and potentially paying more than before. I'm experiencing analysis paralysis and need advice on whether to proceed. I'm also unsure about installation timelines, as some companies promise 60 days while others don't. My average electric bill is about $350/month, consuming roughly 13,500 kWh per year. I have a FICO score over 800, 60% home equity, and a debt-to-income ratio of around 15%. I'm trying to confirm the Federal Tax Credit calculation, expecting $10,500 back on a $35,000 system.
Quote Details
This quote is for the installation of a 26-panel solar system. The financial breakdown includes: - System Type: Solar panel installation - Number of Panels: 26 - Initial System Cost: $35,000 - Estimated Federal Tax Credit: $10,000 (reducing the financed amount to $25,000) - Financing Terms (if applicable): 10% interest over 10 years, resulting in approximately $15,000 in interest - New Jersey SREC-II Credits: Approximately $1,000 per year for 15 years, totaling $15,000 - Estimated True Net Cost (after NJ credits): Approximately $10,000 over the life of the system
You say...
Vote Distribution
These ratings are not endorsed by Quote Critic. They are submitted by other Quote Critic users like you.
More Details
Category
Solar
Price
$35,000
Quote Date
October 2, 2025
Location
New Jersey
# of Panels
26
Comments
No comments yet
Sign in to share your thoughts and ask questions.
Similar Quotes
Install a solar panel system
This quote is for the installation of a solar panel system. The net system cost is $50,000. The monthly payment structure is dependent on the application of the federal tax credit. - Net System Cost: $50,000 - Monthly Payment (with tax credit applied): $263/month for 300 months - Monthly Payment (without tax credit applied): $373/month - Estimated Federal Tax Credit Value: Approximately $15,000 - Estimated SREC Value: $15,000
Install a 16 kWh solar panel system
This quote is for the installation of a solar panel system. - System Size: 16 kWh - Number of Panels: Approximately 30 - Usage Coverage: Projected to cover 110% of current usage - Gross Cost: $47,000 - Cost with Federal Tax Credit: $32,000 - Financing Partner: Sungage - Financing APR: 7.9% - Financing Term: 25 years (no prepayment penalty) - Guarantees: Production, roof, and panels for the term of the loan - Estimated SREC Cash Flow: $1,500 - $1,600 per year

Install a solar panel system
This quote is for the installation of a solar panel system with a gross project value of $32,663.68, reduced to $21,864.58 after federal and state tax credits. The system is designed to cover 149% of annual utility usage (though the homeowner notes this is closer to 120% of actual usage). - Solar Panels: 21 REC460AA panels - Inverters: Enphase IQ8X - System Size (DC): 9.66 kW - System Size (AC): 8.064 kW - Year 1 Production: 10,136 kWh - Annual Usage: 6,809 kWh - Array 1: 10 panels, 4,600 W, 5,113 kWh production - Array 2: 11 panels, 5,060 W, 5,023 kWh production - Included: Critter Guard - Warranty: Solar Insure 30-year warranty - Federal Tax Credit: -$9,799.10 - State Tax Credit: -$1,000.00