Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bernards, NJ (2023 Update)
- Bernards Solar Installation Cost: $9,182
- 25-Year Savings: $7,418
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bernards
We break down average solar pricing in Bernards.
The average cost of solar panels in Bernards is 2.77 per watt. Since a 4.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Bernards, the average price of going solar will be about $9,191 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Bernards can save around $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Bernards that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Bernards
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,123 |
| 3 years | $-6,004 |
| 5 years | $-3,886 |
| 7 years | $-1,768 |
| 9 years | $351 |
| 11 years | $2,469 |
| 13 years | $4,588 |
| 15 years | $6,706 |
| 17 years | $8,824 |
| 19 years | $10,943 |
| 21 years | $13,061 |
| 23 years | $15,180 |
| 25 years | $17,298 |
Top Solar Installers in Bernards
Installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Bernards, optimizing your ROI.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Bernards:
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 Bernards
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bernards
For many Bernards homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Bernards, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Bernards, one of the most crucial 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 determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,770 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Bernards, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Bernards homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Bernards, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $8,934 | 14.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $12,222 | 14.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $15,666 | 13.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $19,264 | 13.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $23,018 | 13.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $26,926 | 13.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $30,990 | 12.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $35,209 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Bernards, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Bernards, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bernards?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Bernards?
You can't get solar panels for free in Bernards. 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.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Bernards is currently $683,857, so you can look forward to a value of about $28,038 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Bernards is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.