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

  • Brookdale Solar Installation Cost: $11,692
  • 25-Year Savings: $8,676
  • Payback Period: 16.4 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

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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 Brookdale

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Brookdale.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Brookdale, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.7-kW system would cost about $11,692 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Brookdale can save around $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

To receive a free quote from a top solar company in Brookdale, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Brookdale

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,270
3 years $-7,425
5 years $-4,580
7 years $-1,735
9 years $1,109
11 years $3,954
13 years $6,799
15 years $9,644
17 years $12,488
19 years $15,333
21 years $18,178
23 years $21,022
25 years $23,867

Top Solar Installers in Brookdale

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Another good thing about using a reputable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.

Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

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 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 is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Brookdale, one of the most important 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 gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,530 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Brookdale provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can impact how much you pay. Brookdale’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.

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 $7,216 17.0 years
8 kW $3.60 $20,163 $10,017 16.7 years
10 kW $3.53 $24,710 $13,015 16.4 years
12 kW $3.46 $29,059 $16,211 16.0 years
14 kW $3.39 $33,210 $19,605 15.7 years
16 kW $3.32 $37,164 $23,196 15.4 years
18 kW $3.25 $40,920 $26,985 15.1 years
20 kW $3.18 $44,478 $30,972 14.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.

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 Brookdale, NJ Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Brookdale 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 things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Brookdale is currently $709,335, so you can look forward to a value of about $29,083 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Brookdale is a rewarding investment.

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 how much 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 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.

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