Solar Panel Cost Guide in Barrington, NJ (Mar 2023)
- Barrington 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 Barrington
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Barrington.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Barrington, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.77 per watt. Because a 4.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Barrington, the average price of going solar will be about $9,036 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Barrington see about $15,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Barrington for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Barrington
| 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 Barrington
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be valuable as well, especially if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Barrington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Barrington
For many Barrington homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Barrington, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. It's a good idea to add 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Barrington, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Barrington know more 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 | $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 a large number of companies to choose from in Barrington, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like to install plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
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 Barrington, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Barrington?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $766.39 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.