Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brookdale, NJ (2023 Update)
- Brookdale Solar Installation Cost: $9,175
- 25-Year Savings: $8,676
- Payback Period: 12.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brookdale
We break down average solar pricing in Brookdale.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Brookdale generally cost about 2.77. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Brookdale, most homeowners require a 4.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $9,171, or $13,115 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Brookdale homeowners. 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. With typical savings of about $14,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Brookdale find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Brookdale for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Brookdale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,752 |
| 3 years | $-4,908 |
| 5 years | $-2,063 |
| 7 years | $782 |
| 9 years | $3,627 |
| 11 years | $6,471 |
| 13 years | $9,316 |
| 15 years | $12,161 |
| 17 years | $15,006 |
| 19 years | $17,850 |
| 21 years | $20,695 |
| 23 years | $23,540 |
| 25 years | $26,384 |
Top Solar Installers in Brookdale
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Brookdale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brookdale
The cost of installing a solar system in Brookdale can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,770 per kilowatt in Brookdale. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can impact your pricing. Brookdale's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $10,536 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $14,358 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $18,335 | 12.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $22,468 | 12.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $26,755 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $31,198 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $35,795 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $40,548 | 11.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like to get plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Brookdale, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Brookdale?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Brookdale?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive 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 Brookdale?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.