Solar Panel Cost Guide in Butler, NJ (2024 Update)
- Butler Solar Installation Cost: $11,808
- 25-Year Savings: $8,482
- Payback Period: 16.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Butler
We go over average solar pricing in Butler.
In Butler, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 4.8-kW system would cost about $11,808 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To get a free quote from a top solar company in Butler, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Butler
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,749 |
| 3 years | $-8,630 |
| 5 years | $-6,512 |
| 7 years | $-4,394 |
| 9 years | $-2,275 |
| 11 years | $-157 |
| 13 years | $1,962 |
| 15 years | $4,080 |
| 17 years | $6,198 |
| 19 years | $8,317 |
| 21 years | $10,435 |
| 23 years | $12,554 |
| 25 years | $14,672 |
Top Solar Installers in Butler
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra effort and knowledge. Because of that, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Butler
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Butler
There are many criteria that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,530 per kilowatt in Butler.The type 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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Butler average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Butler have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices 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 promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $6,865 | 17.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $9,548 | 17.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $12,429 | 16.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $15,508 | 16.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $18,785 | 16.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $22,259 | 15.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $25,931 | 15.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $29,801 | 15.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 Butler, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Butler?
The average cost of solar panels in Butler 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Butler?
Solar panels aren’t free in Butler, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
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 Butler is currently $475,004, which means you could be looking at a value of about $19,475 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Butler is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels 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 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.