Solar Panel Cost Guide in Branchburg, NJ (2023 Update)
- Branchburg Solar Installation Cost: $9,182
- 25-Year Savings: $7,835
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Branchburg
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Branchburg.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Branchburg is 2.77 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Branchburg, most homeowners require a 4.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $9,191, or $13,143 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $14,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Branchburg find going solar can pay off big.
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 Branchburg
| 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 Branchburg
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra effort and handiness. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're looking for a solar company in Branchburg, the EcoWatch team has compiled 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 Branchburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Branchburg
Although the average cost of a solar system in Branchburg is $9,191, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, 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 $2,770. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Branchburg to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Branchburg is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. Additionally, some companies in Branchburg are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $9,462 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $12,926 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $16,545 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $20,320 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $24,250 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $28,334 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $32,574 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $36,969 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you choose.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't 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.
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 Branchburg, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Branchburg?
The average cost of solar panels in Branchburg 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 certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Branchburg?
Solar panels aren't free in Branchburg, 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.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Branchburg, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for 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?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.