Solar Panel Cost Guide in Buena, NJ (2024 Update)
- Buena Solar Installation Cost: $11,064
- 25-Year Savings: $14,791
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Buena
Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Buena.
The average cost of solar panels in Buena is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Buena is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,064 for a solar installation, or $15,822 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Buena based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Buena
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,566 |
| 3 years | $-6,570 |
| 5 years | $-3,574 |
| 7 years | $-577 |
| 9 years | $2,419 |
| 11 years | $5,416 |
| 13 years | $8,412 |
| 15 years | $11,408 |
| 17 years | $14,405 |
| 19 years | $17,401 |
| 21 years | $20,397 |
| 23 years | $23,394 |
| 25 years | $26,390 |
Top Solar Installers in Buena
Installing solar panels on your own can be a stressful undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another good thing about choosing a reputable solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Buena
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Buena
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Buena: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Buena, one of the most crucial 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 determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,530 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower 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 limited roof space 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 extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Buena provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Buena, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up 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 | $3.67 | $15,419 | $16,034 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $21,775 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $27,712 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $33,848 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $40,181 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $46,712 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $53,441 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $60,367 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Buena, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Buena?
The average cost of solar panels in Buena is about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Buena?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Buena?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of 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 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.