Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fair Haven, NJ (2023 Update)
- Fair Haven Solar Installation Cost: $8,764
- 25-Year Savings: $7,419
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fair Haven
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Fair Haven.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fair Haven it's 2.77 per watt. Since a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Fair Haven, the average price of going solar will be about $8,764 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Fair Haven homeowners see about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fair Haven
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,117 |
| 3 years | $-6,822 |
| 5 years | $-5,528 |
| 7 years | $-4,233 |
| 9 years | $-2,938 |
| 11 years | $-1,643 |
| 13 years | $-349 |
| 15 years | $946 |
| 17 years | $2,241 |
| 19 years | $3,535 |
| 21 years | $4,830 |
| 23 years | $6,125 |
| 25 years | $7,419 |
Top Solar Installers in Fair Haven
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be hard. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Fair Haven, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Fair Haven
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fair Haven
There are several factors that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,770. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Fair Haven, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable option because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Fair Haven, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes 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 | $9,382 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $12,819 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $16,412 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $20,160 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $24,062 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $28,120 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $32,333 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $36,702 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 good reviews from previous customers.
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 Fair Haven, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fair Haven?
The average cost of solar panels in Fair Haven 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 things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Fair Haven?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase your property's value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Fair Haven?
Even 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having 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.
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.