Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alexandria, NJ (Mar 2023)
- Alexandria Solar Installation Cost: $9,230
- 25-Year Savings: $6,954
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alexandria
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in Alexandria.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Alexandria generally cost about 2.77. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Alexandria, most homeowners require a 4.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $9,230, or $13,199 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Alexandria can save around $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Alexandria
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,582 |
| 3 years | $-7,288 |
| 5 years | $-5,993 |
| 7 years | $-4,698 |
| 9 years | $-3,403 |
| 11 years | $-2,109 |
| 13 years | $-814 |
| 15 years | $481 |
| 17 years | $1,775 |
| 19 years | $3,070 |
| 21 years | $4,365 |
| 23 years | $5,659 |
| 25 years | $6,954 |
Top Solar Installers in Alexandria
Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Alexandria, therefore optimizing your ROI.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. 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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Alexandria
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Alexandria
While the average cost of a solar system in Alexandria is $9,230, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many 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 price of a solar panel system in Alexandria, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,770 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Alexandria, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Alexandria, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's a good idea 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
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can impact your pricing. Alexandria's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.88 | $12,099 | $8,319 | 14.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $11,402 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $14,640 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $18,034 | 14.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $21,582 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $25,286 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $29,145 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $33,159 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Alexandria, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Alexandria?
The average cost of solar panels in Alexandria is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Alexandria?
Solar panels aren't free in Alexandria, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Alexandria, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with 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, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.