Solar Panel Cost Guide in Buena Vista, NJ (2024 Update)

  • Buena Vista Solar Installation Cost: $11,064
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,588
  • Payback Period: 11.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 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 Buena Vista

We break down average solar pricing in Buena Vista.

The average cost of solar panels in Buena Vista is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Buena Vista, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,064, or $15,822 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Buena Vista see about $20,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Buena Vista

YearReturn 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 Vista

Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Buena Vista, thereby optimizing your ROI.

If you're looking for a solar company in Buena Vista, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:

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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 Buena Vista

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Buena Vista

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Buena Vista: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Buena Vista average.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Buena Vista to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Buena Vista is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more 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 discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.67$15,419$15,76212.4 years
8 kW$3.60$20,163$21,41112.1 years
10 kW$3.53$24,710$27,25811.9 years
12 kW$3.46$29,059$33,30211.6 years
14 kW$3.39$33,210$39,54411.4 years
16 kW$3.32$37,164$45,98411.2 years
18 kW$3.25$40,920$52,62210.9 years
20 kW$3.18$44,478$59,45710.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies to choose from in Buena Vista, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
  • Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar energy system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
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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 Buena Vista, NJ Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Buena Vista?

The average cost of solar panels in Buena Vista 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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?

Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

How will having solar panels impact my property value?

Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Buena Vista is currently $290,021, which means you could be looking at a value of about $11,891 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Buena Vista is a worthwhile investment.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.