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
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Long Branch
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Long Branch.
In Long Branch, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Since a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage 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.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Long Branch depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Despite the large initial cost, the average Long Branch homeowner can save around $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Long Branch for a quote for your home.
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 it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra effort and handiness. That's why almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you're looking for a solar company in Long Branch, we've 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 Long Branch
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Long Branch
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Long Branch is $11,170, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,530.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Long Branch to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Long Branch is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment 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 | $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
There are many companies to choose from in Long Branch, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
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 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Long Branch?
Solar panels aren’t free in Long Branch, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, 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 your property’s value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Long Branch?
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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.