Solar Panel Cost Guide in Buena Vista, NJ (2023 Update)
- Buena Vista Solar Installation Cost: $8,682
- 25-Year Savings: $14,588
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Buena Vista
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Buena Vista.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Buena Vista it's 2.77 per watt. Because a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Buena Vista, the average price of going solar will be about $8,687 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Buena Vista homeowner. The price 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. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Buena Vista
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,184 |
| 3 years | $-4,188 |
| 5 years | $-1,191 |
| 7 years | $1,805 |
| 9 years | $4,801 |
| 11 years | $7,798 |
| 13 years | $10,794 |
| 15 years | $13,791 |
| 17 years | $16,787 |
| 19 years | $19,783 |
| 21 years | $22,780 |
| 23 years | $25,776 |
| 25 years | $28,772 |
Top Solar Installers in Buena Vista
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra labor and expertise. That's why almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
Working with a licensed 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 Buena Vista
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Buena Vista
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Buena Vista: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,770. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up 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 expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Buena Vista is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into 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 | $19,081 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $25,752 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $32,578 | 9.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $39,559 | 9.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $46,695 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $53,986 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $61,432 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $69,033 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two 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.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project 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 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 $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 consume.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your property's value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
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 needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.