Solar Panel Cost Guide in Long Branch, NJ (2024 Update)

  • Long Branch Solar Installation Cost: $11,170
  • 25-Year Savings: $7,419
  • Payback Period: 17.3 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

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Long Branch

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Long Branch.

The average cost of a solar system in Long Branch is 4 per watt.Since a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Long Branch, the average price of going solar will be about $11,170 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Long Branch homeowner can save around $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.

To get a free quote from a top solar company in Long Branch, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Long Branch

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,111
3 years $-7,992
5 years $-5,874
7 years $-3,755
9 years $-1,637
11 years $481
13 years $2,600
15 years $4,718
17 years $6,837
19 years $8,955
21 years $11,073
23 years $13,192
25 years $15,310

Top Solar Installers in Long Branch

Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra time and handiness. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’re unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.

If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:

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 Long Branch

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Long Branch

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Long Branch: 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 cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,530.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose 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

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Long Branch, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panels can influence how much you pay. Long Branch’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Long Branch know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

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 $6,062 17.9 years
8 kW $3.60 $20,163 $8,478 17.6 years
10 kW $3.53 $24,710 $11,092 17.3 years
12 kW $3.46 $29,059 $13,903 16.9 years
14 kW $3.39 $33,210 $16,912 16.6 years
16 kW $3.32 $37,164 $20,119 16.2 years
18 kW $3.25 $40,920 $23,524 15.9 years
20 kW $3.18 $44,478 $27,126 15.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you opt for will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:

  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
  • Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good 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.
  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.

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 Long Branch, NJ Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Long Branch?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Long Branch?

Solar panels aren’t free in Long Branch, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.

Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Long Branch is currently $678,616, so you could be looking at a value of about $27,823 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Long Branch is a rewarding investment.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.

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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