Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ewing, NJ (Mar 2023)
- Ewing Solar Installation Cost: $9,152
- 25-Year Savings: $8,365
- Payback Period: 13.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ewing
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Ewing.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Ewing it's 2.77 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Ewing, most homeowners require a 4.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $9,152, or $13,087 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 consumption, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $14,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Ewing find going solar can be quite rewarding.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ewing
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,451 |
| 3 years | $-7,050 |
| 5 years | $-5,649 |
| 7 years | $-4,247 |
| 9 years | $-2,846 |
| 11 years | $-1,445 |
| 13 years | $-43 |
| 15 years | $1,358 |
| 17 years | $2,759 |
| 19 years | $4,161 |
| 21 years | $5,562 |
| 23 years | $6,964 |
| 25 years | $8,365 |
Top Solar Installers in Ewing
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers offer can be helpful as well, especially if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Ewing
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ewing
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Ewing: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar 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 $2,770 per kilowatt in Ewing. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular route because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $10,187 | 13.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $13,893 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $17,754 | 13.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $21,770 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $25,942 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $30,268 | 12.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $34,750 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $39,386 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
- 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 the EcoWatch team.
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 Ewing, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ewing?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Ewing?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property 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 significantly reduce my power bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Ewing, 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.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.