Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lawrenceville, NJ (2024 Update)

  • Lawrenceville Solar Installation Cost: $11,653
  • 25-Year Savings: $8,706
  • Payback Period: 16.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lawrenceville

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Lawrenceville.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Lawrenceville it’s 4 per watt.The average Lawrenceville homeowner needs a 4.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,653 with the federal tax credit, or $16,664 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Lawrenceville homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Lawrenceville

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,231
3 years $-7,386
5 years $-4,541
7 years $-1,697
9 years $1,148
11 years $3,993
13 years $6,838
15 years $9,682
17 years $12,527
19 years $15,372
21 years $18,217
23 years $21,061
25 years $23,906

Top Solar Installers in Lawrenceville

Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and know-how. Because of that, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.

If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Lawrenceville, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Lawrenceville

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lawrenceville

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Lawrenceville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,530. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Lawrenceville to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.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 can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Lawrenceville, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.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 $3.67 $15,419 $7,292 17.0 years
8 kW $3.60 $20,163 $10,117 16.6 years
10 kW $3.53 $24,710 $13,141 16.3 years
12 kW $3.46 $29,059 $16,362 16.0 years
14 kW $3.39 $33,210 $19,781 15.7 years
16 kW $3.32 $37,164 $23,398 15.3 years
18 kW $3.25 $40,920 $27,212 15.0 years
20 kW $3.18 $44,478 $31,224 14.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many companies to choose from in Lawrenceville, 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:

  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
  • Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Lawrenceville, NJ Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lawrenceville?

The average cost of solar panels in Lawrenceville is about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?

The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?

It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Lawrenceville, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.

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