Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bernardsville, NJ (2024 Update)

  • Bernardsville Solar Installation Cost: $11,701
  • 25-Year Savings: $7,002
  • Payback Period: 18.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Bernardsville

We go over average solar pricing in Bernardsville.

In Bernardsville, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Bernardsville homeowner needs a 4.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,701 with the federal tax credit, or $16,732 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Bernardsville

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,642
3 years $-8,524
5 years $-6,405
7 years $-4,287
9 years $-2,168
11 years $-50
13 years $2,068
15 years $4,187
17 years $6,305
19 years $8,424
21 years $10,542
23 years $12,660
25 years $14,779

Top Solar Installers in Bernardsville

Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra labor and know-how. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Bernardsville, therefore optimizing your ROI.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Bernardsville:

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 for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Bernardsville

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bernardsville

There are several factors that can play into your solar system 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

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Bernardsville, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,530 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Bernardsville offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Bernardsville, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.

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 $5,086 18.8 years
8 kW $3.60 $20,163 $7,177 18.4 years
10 kW $3.53 $24,710 $9,466 18.1 years
12 kW $3.46 $29,059 $11,952 17.7 years
14 kW $3.39 $33,210 $14,636 17.4 years
16 kW $3.32 $37,164 $17,517 17.0 years
18 kW $3.25 $40,920 $20,597 16.6 years
20 kW $3.18 $44,478 $23,873 16.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar panel company you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:

  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain 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: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.

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 for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Bernardsville, NJ Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Bernardsville is about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in Bernardsville?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Bernardsville, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.

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 throughout Bernardsville, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.

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.

Follow us