Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hightstown, NJ (2023 Update)
- Hightstown Solar Installation Cost: $9,152
- 25-Year Savings: $7,865
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hightstown
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Hightstown.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Hightstown, the average cost of solar panels is 2.77 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 4.7-kW system would cost about $9,152 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will vary based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. Even with the high upfront cost, the average Hightstown homeowner can save about $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hightstown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,471 |
| 3 years | $-7,110 |
| 5 years | $-5,749 |
| 7 years | $-4,387 |
| 9 years | $-3,026 |
| 11 years | $-1,665 |
| 13 years | $-303 |
| 15 years | $1,058 |
| 17 years | $2,419 |
| 19 years | $3,781 |
| 21 years | $5,142 |
| 23 years | $6,504 |
| 25 years | $7,865 |
Top Solar Installers in Hightstown
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Hightstown, we've put together 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 Hightstown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hightstown
For many Hightstown homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Hightstown, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Hightstown, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Hightstown provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. 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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Hightstown is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $9,551 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $13,045 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $16,694 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $20,498 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $24,457 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $28,572 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $32,841 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $37,266 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Hightstown, 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:
- 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.
- Reputation: Well-established companies 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 adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies 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: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 Hightstown, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hightstown?
The average cost of solar panels in Hightstown 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Hightstown?
You can't get solar panels for free in Hightstown. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Hightstown is currently $295,700, which means you can look forward to a value of about $12,124 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Hightstown is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much 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 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.