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
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Buena Vista
We break down average solar pricing in Buena Vista.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Buena Vista, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Buena Vista 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.
Keep 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.Despite the high initial cost, the average Buena Vista homeowner can save around $20,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To get a free quote from a top solar installation company in Buena Vista, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Buena Vista
| 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 Vista
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra effort and handiness. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, going with a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
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 considering investing in solar. There are a few key 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
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with 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 $3,530.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Buena Vista to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Buena Vista homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can influence your pricing. Buena Vista’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger 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 | $15,762 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $21,411 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $27,258 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $33,302 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $39,544 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $45,984 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $52,622 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $59,457 | 10.7 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 pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
EcoWatch's Buena Vista, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Buena Vista?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Buying or financing solar panels for 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, so 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 fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses 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 house 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.