Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chester, NJ (2023 Update)
- Chester Solar Installation Cost: $9,266
- 25-Year Savings: $6,918
- Payback Period: 14.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chester
We go over average solar pricing in Chester.
In Chester, solar panels cost about 2.77 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 4.8-kW system would cost about $9,268 before the 30% 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 based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. With typical savings of about $13,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Chester find going solar has a decent ROI.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in Chester, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,207 |
| 3 years | $-6,088 |
| 5 years | $-3,970 |
| 7 years | $-1,851 |
| 9 years | $267 |
| 11 years | $2,385 |
| 13 years | $4,504 |
| 15 years | $6,622 |
| 17 years | $8,741 |
| 19 years | $10,859 |
| 21 years | $12,977 |
| 23 years | $15,096 |
| 25 years | $17,214 |
Top Solar Installers in Chester
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a challenging project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Chester:
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 Chester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chester
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Chester: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Chester, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,770 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Chester, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Chester is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment 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 | $2.88 | $12,099 | $8,221 | 14.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $11,271 | 14.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $14,477 | 14.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $17,838 | 14.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $21,354 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $25,025 | 13.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $28,851 | 13.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $32,832 | 12.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Chester, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
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 Chester, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Chester?
The average cost of solar panels in Chester 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 use.
Are solar panels free in Chester?
Solar panels aren't free in Chester, 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 you can take advantage of.
Is it worth going solar in Chester?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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.