Solar Panel Cost Guide in Belleville, NJ (Mar 2023)
- Belleville Solar Installation Cost: $9,171
- 25-Year Savings: $8,679
- Payback Period: 12.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Belleville
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Belleville.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Belleville generally cost about 2.77. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Belleville, most homeowners require a 4.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $9,171, or $13,115 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you may look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Belleville see about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Belleville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,457 |
| 3 years | $-7,029 |
| 5 years | $-5,601 |
| 7 years | $-4,173 |
| 9 years | $-2,745 |
| 11 years | $-1,317 |
| 13 years | $111 |
| 15 years | $1,539 |
| 17 years | $2,967 |
| 19 years | $4,395 |
| 21 years | $5,823 |
| 23 years | $7,251 |
| 25 years | $8,679 |
Top Solar Installers in Belleville
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some 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 Belleville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Belleville
There are several criteria that can influence 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
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Belleville, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,770 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Belleville to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Belleville is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting 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 | $10,536 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $14,358 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $18,335 | 12.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $22,468 | 12.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $26,755 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $31,198 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $35,795 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $40,548 | 11.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the longevity of your solar panel system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.
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 Belleville, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Belleville?
The average cost of solar panels in Belleville 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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Belleville have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How long do solar panels last in Belleville?
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 higher level 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.