Solar Panel Cost Guide in Belmar, NJ (2024 Update)
- Belmar Solar Installation Cost: $11,170
- 25-Year Savings: $7,419
- Payback Period: 17.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Belmar
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Belmar.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Belmar typically cost around 4.The average Belmar homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,170 with the federal tax credit, or $15,973 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.Even with the large initial cost, the average Belmar homeowner can save around $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Belmar for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Belmar
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,111 |
| 3 years | $-7,992 |
| 5 years | $-5,874 |
| 7 years | $-3,755 |
| 9 years | $-1,637 |
| 11 years | $481 |
| 13 years | $2,600 |
| 15 years | $4,718 |
| 17 years | $6,837 |
| 19 years | $8,955 |
| 21 years | $11,073 |
| 23 years | $13,192 |
| 25 years | $15,310 |
Top Solar Installers in Belmar
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be hard. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy consumption, but working with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Belmar, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Belmar
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Belmar
There are several criteria that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar 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 $3,530. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Belmar have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will impact your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $3.67 | $15,419 | $6,062 | 17.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $8,478 | 17.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $11,092 | 17.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $13,903 | 16.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $16,912 | 16.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $20,119 | 16.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $23,524 | 15.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $27,126 | 15.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Belmar, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Belmar?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 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.