Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bridgewater, NJ (Oct 2022)
- Bridgewater Solar Installation Cost: $9,191
- 25-Year Savings: $7,945
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Updated 9/16/2022
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bridgewater
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Bridgewater.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bridgewater it's $3 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Bridgewater, most homeowners require a 4.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $9,191, or $6,801 after the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Bridgewater homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $14,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Bridgewater find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Bridgewater, you can click the button below.
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 by yourself can be a stressful task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you're unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions 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
The Green Panel
- 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
There are many factors that can affect your total 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 Size
The size of the system you need is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install 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
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Bridgewater homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's crucial to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Bridgewater, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. 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 with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is 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 | $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 |
Solar Incentives in Bridgewater
| Name | Successor Solar Incentive (SuSI) Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Solar Energy Sales Tax Exemption |
| Incentive Amount | 100% exemption |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) Registration Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | PSE&G - Solar Loan Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | NJ Clean Energy- Residential New Construction Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | COOLAdvantage Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | NJ Clean Energy- WARMAdvantage Program (Electric and Gas) |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | New Jersey Renewable Energy Incentive Program (Sustainable Biopower) |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Bridgewater, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
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
The Green Panel
- 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Bridgewater?
A solar panel system isn't free in Bridgewater, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Bridgewater is currently $520,494, so you can expect about a value of about $21,340 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Bridgewater is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Bridgewater?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.
