Solar Panel Cost Guide in Berkeley Heights, NJ (2023 Update)
- Berkeley Heights Solar Installation Cost: $9,055
- 25-Year Savings: $7,962
- Payback Period: 13.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Berkeley Heights
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Berkeley Heights.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Berkeley Heights, the average cost of solar panels is 2.77 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Berkeley Heights, most homeowners require a 4.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $9,055, or $12,949 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Berkeley Heights homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Berkeley Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,374 |
| 3 years | $-7,013 |
| 5 years | $-5,652 |
| 7 years | $-4,290 |
| 9 years | $-2,929 |
| 11 years | $-1,568 |
| 13 years | $-206 |
| 15 years | $1,155 |
| 17 years | $2,516 |
| 19 years | $3,878 |
| 21 years | $5,239 |
| 23 years | $6,601 |
| 25 years | $7,962 |
Top Solar Installers in Berkeley Heights
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installer since handling can be a difficult project. Plus, if you aren't sure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Berkeley Heights, the EcoWatch team has put together 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 Berkeley Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Berkeley Heights
For many Berkeley Heights homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Berkeley Heights, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
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, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,770. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions 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 searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Berkeley Heights, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Berkeley Heights homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $9,785 | 13.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $13,357 | 13.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $17,084 | 13.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $20,967 | 13.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $25,004 | 12.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $29,196 | 12.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $33,544 | 12.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $38,047 | 12.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Berkeley Heights, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which model 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 peruse their list of options before deciding.
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 Berkeley Heights, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Berkeley Heights?
The average cost of solar panels in Berkeley Heights 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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Berkeley Heights?
You can't get solar panels for free in Berkeley Heights. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Berkeley Heights?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Berkeley Heights?
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 larger 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.