Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bridgewater, NJ (Feb 2023)
- Bridgewater Solar Installation Cost: $9,191
- 25-Year Savings: $7,945
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bridgewater
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Bridgewater.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Bridgewater generally cost around $3. The average Bridgewater homeowner needs a 4.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,191, or $6,801 after the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Bridgewater homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the high upfront cost, the average Bridgewater homeowner can save about $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Bridgewater for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Bridgewater
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,505 |
| 3 years | $-7,135 |
| 5 years | $-5,764 |
| 7 years | $-4,393 |
| 9 years | $-3,022 |
| 11 years | $-1,651 |
| 13 years | $-280 |
| 15 years | $1,091 |
| 17 years | $2,462 |
| 19 years | $3,833 |
| 21 years | $5,204 |
| 23 years | $6,574 |
| 25 years | $7,945 |
Top Solar Installers in Bridgewater
Installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Bridgewater
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bridgewater
For many Bridgewater homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Bridgewater, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,770. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Bridgewater have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining the cost. Bridgewater's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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 | $9,613 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $13,127 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $16,797 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $20,622 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $24,601 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $28,736 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $33,027 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $37,472 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will affect 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 take into account, such as:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you opt for.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
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 Bridgewater, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bridgewater?
The average cost of solar panels in Bridgewater 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Bridgewater?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Bridgewater?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much 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 install 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.