Solar Panel Cost Guide in Burlington, NJ (Mar 2023)
- Burlington Solar Installation Cost: $8,939
- 25-Year Savings: $8,912
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Burlington
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Burlington.
The average cost of solar panels in Burlington is 2.77 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Burlington, most homeowners require a 4.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $8,939, or $12,783 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. Despite the large upfront cost, the average Burlington homeowner can save about $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Burlington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,225 |
| 3 years | $-6,797 |
| 5 years | $-5,369 |
| 7 years | $-3,941 |
| 9 years | $-2,513 |
| 11 years | $-1,085 |
| 13 years | $343 |
| 15 years | $1,772 |
| 17 years | $3,200 |
| 19 years | $4,628 |
| 21 years | $6,056 |
| 23 years | $7,484 |
| 25 years | $8,912 |
Top Solar Installers in Burlington
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra energy and know-how. Because of that, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Burlington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Burlington
There are many factors that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater 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. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can play a role in determining how much it costs. Burlington'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 due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $11,137 | 13.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $15,160 | 12.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $19,337 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $23,670 | 12.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $28,158 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $32,801 | 11.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $37,600 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $42,553 | 11.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Burlington, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Burlington?
The average cost of solar panels in Burlington 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Burlington?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $774.55 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Burlington?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.