Solar Panel Cost Guide in Forked River, NJ (2023 Update)
- Forked River Solar Installation Cost: $8,609
- 25-Year Savings: $7,575
- Payback Period: 13.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Forked River
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in Forked River.
In Forked River, solar panels cost about 2.77 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Forked River is around 4.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $8,609 for a solar installation, or $12,311 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Forked River depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Even with the large initial cost, the average Forked River homeowner can save around $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
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 Forked River
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,962 |
| 3 years | $-6,667 |
| 5 years | $-5,372 |
| 7 years | $-4,078 |
| 9 years | $-2,783 |
| 11 years | $-1,488 |
| 13 years | $-194 |
| 15 years | $1,101 |
| 17 years | $2,396 |
| 19 years | $3,690 |
| 21 years | $4,985 |
| 23 years | $6,280 |
| 25 years | $7,575 |
Top Solar Installers in Forked River
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Forked River, the EcoWatch team has organized 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 Forked River
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Forked River
For many Forked River homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Forked River, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,770 per kilowatt in Forked River. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Forked River have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Forked River homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Forked River, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $9,784 | 13.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $13,355 | 13.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $17,082 | 13.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $20,964 | 13.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $25,001 | 12.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $29,193 | 12.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $33,540 | 12.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $38,042 | 12.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Forked River, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the longevity of your solar energy system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Forked River, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Forked River?
The average cost of solar panels in Forked River 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Forked River?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of 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.
Is it worth going solar in Forked River?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 account for 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.