Solar Panel Cost Guide in Guttenberg, NJ (2024 Update)
- Guttenberg Solar Installation Cost: $11,370
- 25-Year Savings: $8,928
- Payback Period: 15.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Guttenberg
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Guttenberg.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Guttenberg is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.6-kW system would cost about $11,370 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Guttenberg homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Guttenberg for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Guttenberg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,948 |
| 3 years | $-7,103 |
| 5 years | $-4,258 |
| 7 years | $-1,414 |
| 9 years | $1,431 |
| 11 years | $4,276 |
| 13 years | $7,120 |
| 15 years | $9,965 |
| 17 years | $12,810 |
| 19 years | $15,655 |
| 21 years | $18,499 |
| 23 years | $21,344 |
| 25 years | $24,189 |
Top Solar Installers in Guttenberg
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Guttenberg, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Guttenberg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Guttenberg
The cost of installing a solar system in Guttenberg can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Guttenberg, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,530 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they lower your upfront costs and let you 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 amount of 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 APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Guttenberg, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually 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 car 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 | $3.67 | $15,419 | $7,856 | 16.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $10,871 | 16.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $14,082 | 15.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $17,492 | 15.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $21,099 | 15.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $24,904 | 15.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $28,906 | 14.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $33,107 | 14.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Guttenberg, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Guttenberg, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Guttenberg?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Guttenberg?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically 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 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.
Is it worth going solar in Guttenberg?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Guttenberg?
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 their energy production 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.