Solar Panel Cost Guide in Beachwood, NJ (2023 Update)
- Beachwood Solar Installation Cost: $8,609
- 25-Year Savings: $7,575
- Payback Period: 13.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Beachwood
We break down average solar pricing in Beachwood.
The average cost of solar panels in Beachwood is 2.77 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Beachwood is around 4.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $8,609 for a solar installation, or $12,311 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. Even with the large upfront cost, the average Beachwood homeowner can save about $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Beachwood, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Beachwood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,962 |
| 3 years | $-6,667 |
| 5 years | $-5,372 |
| 7 years | $-4,078 |
| 9 years | $-2,783 |
| 11 years | $-1,488 |
| 13 years | $-194 |
| 15 years | $1,101 |
| 17 years | $2,396 |
| 19 years | $3,690 |
| 21 years | $4,985 |
| 23 years | $6,280 |
| 25 years | $7,575 |
Top Solar Installers in Beachwood
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and handiness. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're searching for a solar company in Beachwood, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Beachwood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Beachwood
The cost of installing a solar system in Beachwood can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, 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 choose 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 over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Beachwood average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Beachwood, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Beachwood homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can impact how much you pay. Beachwood's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $9,784 | 13.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $13,355 | 13.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $17,082 | 13.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $20,964 | 13.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $25,001 | 12.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $29,193 | 12.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $33,540 | 12.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $38,042 | 12.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Beachwood, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar energy system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract thoroughly 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
EcoWatch's Beachwood, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Beachwood?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 extra 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 opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Beachwood?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Does Beachwood have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Beachwood?
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 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.