Solar Panel Cost Guide in East Brunswick, NJ (2023 Update)
- East Brunswick Solar Installation Cost: $9,075
- 25-Year Savings: $8,151
- Payback Period: 13.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in East Brunswick
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in East Brunswick.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in East Brunswick it's 2.77 per watt. Because a 4.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in East Brunswick, the average price of going solar will be about $9,075 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will look different based on your specific situation and what company you go with. Even with the high upfront cost, the average East Brunswick homeowner can save about $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installation company in East Brunswick, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in East Brunswick
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,385 |
| 3 years | $-7,007 |
| 5 years | $-5,629 |
| 7 years | $-4,251 |
| 9 years | $-2,873 |
| 11 years | $-1,495 |
| 13 years | $-117 |
| 15 years | $1,261 |
| 17 years | $2,639 |
| 19 years | $4,017 |
| 21 years | $5,395 |
| 23 years | $6,773 |
| 25 years | $8,151 |
Top Solar Installers in East Brunswick
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 East Brunswick
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East Brunswick
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in East Brunswick: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on 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 into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in East Brunswick, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in East Brunswick, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have greater resources and better 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 down 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 | $2.88 | $12,099 | $9,984 | 13.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $13,623 | 13.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $17,416 | 13.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $21,365 | 12.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $25,469 | 12.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $29,728 | 12.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $34,142 | 12.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $38,711 | 11.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
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 East Brunswick, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in East Brunswick?
The average cost of solar panels in East Brunswick is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in East Brunswick?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in East Brunswick, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.