Solar Panel Cost Guide in Belmar, NJ (Mar 2023)

  • Belmar Solar Installation Cost: $8,764
  • 25-Year Savings: $7,419
  • Payback Period: 13.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Belmar

Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Belmar.

In Belmar, solar panels cost about 2.77 per watt on average. The average Belmar homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $8,764 with the federal tax credit, or $12,533 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Belmar homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $14,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Belmar find installing solar panels can pay off big.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Belmar for a customized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Belmar

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-8,117
3 years $-6,822
5 years $-5,528
7 years $-4,233
9 years $-2,938
11 years $-1,643
13 years $-349
15 years $946
17 years $2,241
19 years $3,535
21 years $4,830
23 years $6,125
25 years $7,419

Top Solar Installers in Belmar

Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra effort and expertise. Because of that, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.

Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Belmar

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Belmar

There are several criteria that can play into your 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 cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,770. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Belmar provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront 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 Belmar is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. 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 with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is 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 $9,382 14.1 years
8 kW $2.83 $15,822 $12,819 13.8 years
10 kW $2.77 $19,390 $16,412 13.5 years
12 kW $2.71 $22,803 $20,160 13.3 years
14 kW $2.66 $26,060 $24,062 13.0 years
16 kW $2.60 $29,163 $28,120 12.7 years
18 kW $2.55 $32,110 $32,333 12.5 years
20 kW $2.49 $34,902 $36,702 12.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose greatly affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy 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.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Belmar, NJ Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Belmar?

The average cost of solar panels in Belmar 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 certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?

Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Belmar is currently $355,536, so you can expect a value of about $14,577 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Belmar is a worthwhile investment.

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 higher 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.

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