Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bernards, NJ (Mar 2023)
- Bernards Solar Installation Cost: $9,191
- 25-Year Savings: $7,410
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bernards
We break down average solar pricing in Bernards.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Bernards typically cost about 2.77. Using this figure, a typical 4.7-kW system would cost about $9,191 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
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. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $13,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bernards
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,527 |
| 3 years | $-7,199 |
| 5 years | $-5,871 |
| 7 years | $-4,543 |
| 9 years | $-3,215 |
| 11 years | $-1,887 |
| 13 years | $-559 |
| 15 years | $769 |
| 17 years | $2,097 |
| 19 years | $3,426 |
| 21 years | $4,754 |
| 23 years | $6,082 |
| 25 years | $7,410 |
Top Solar Installers in Bernards
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be challenging. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Bernards
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bernards
There are a number of criteria that can influence your solar panel 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Bernards, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Bernards homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Bernards is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Some companies 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 at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits 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 | $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
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
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 Bernards, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bernards?
The average cost of solar panels in Bernards 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Bernards?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Bernards, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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 household 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.