Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chester, NJ (2025 Update)
- Chester Solar Installation Cost: $11,808
- 25-Year Savings: $6,918
- Payback Period: 18.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chester
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Chester.
The average cost of a solar system in Chester is 4 per watt.The average Chester homeowner needs a 4.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,808 with the federal tax credit, or $16,885 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.Despite the large initial cost, the average Chester homeowner can save around $13,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Chester for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Chester
| 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 Chester
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Plus, if you aren’t sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
See all of the solar companies in Chester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chester
There are a number of factors that can affect your 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
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 $3,530.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 over time on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Chester average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Chester offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Chester is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Additionally, some companies in Chester are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $4,901 | 19.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $6,930 | 18.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $9,157 | 18.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $11,581 | 17.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $14,203 | 17.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $17,023 | 17.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $20,041 | 16.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $23,256 | 16.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
EcoWatch's Chester, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chester?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Chester?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Chester, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.