Solar Panel Cost Guide in Audubon, NJ (Mar 2023)
- Audubon Solar Installation Cost: $9,036
- 25-Year Savings: $8,815
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Audubon
We go over average solar pricing in Audubon.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Audubon, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.77 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Audubon, most homeowners require a 4.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $9,036, or $12,921 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Audubon homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Audubon homeowners see about $15,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Audubon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,322 |
| 3 years | $-6,894 |
| 5 years | $-5,466 |
| 7 years | $-4,038 |
| 9 years | $-2,610 |
| 11 years | $-1,182 |
| 13 years | $247 |
| 15 years | $1,675 |
| 17 years | $3,103 |
| 19 years | $4,531 |
| 21 years | $5,959 |
| 23 years | $7,387 |
| 25 years | $8,815 |
Top Solar Installers in Audubon
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be hard. The expertise that solar companies provide can be useful as well, particularly if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers 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 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 Audubon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Audubon
There are a number of factors that can determine 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
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,770. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Audubon average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Audubon homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can affect your pricing. Audubon's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 | $10,892 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $14,833 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $18,929 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $23,181 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $27,587 | 12.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $32,148 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $36,865 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $41,737 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research 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 Audubon, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Audubon?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Audubon?
A solar panel system isn't free in Audubon, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.