Solar Panel Cost Guide in Manalapan, NJ (2023 Update)

  • Manalapan Solar Installation Cost: $8,764
  • 25-Year Savings: $7,419
  • Payback Period: 13.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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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 Manalapan

See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Manalapan.

In Manalapan, solar panels cost about 2.77 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Manalapan, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $8,764, or $12,533 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on your energy needs and what company you go with. Even with the high initial cost, the average Manalapan homeowner can save around $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.

To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Manalapan, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Manalapan

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-8,117
3 years $-6,822
5 years $-5,528
7 years $-4,233
9 years $-2,938
11 years $-1,643
13 years $-349
15 years $946
17 years $2,241
19 years $3,535
21 years $4,830
23 years $6,125
25 years $7,419

Top Solar Installers in Manalapan

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installation company since handling can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar companies provide can be invaluable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:

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 Manalapan

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Manalapan

The cost of installing a solar system in Manalapan can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,770 per kilowatt in Manalapan. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Manalapan to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest. When considering 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 reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Manalapan is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, 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 $9,382 14.1 years
8 kW $2.83 $15,822 $12,819 13.8 years
10 kW $2.77 $19,390 $16,412 13.5 years
12 kW $2.71 $22,803 $20,160 13.3 years
14 kW $2.66 $26,060 $24,062 13.0 years
16 kW $2.60 $29,163 $28,120 12.7 years
18 kW $2.55 $32,110 $32,333 12.5 years
20 kW $2.49 $34,902 $36,702 12.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years 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 service, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
  • Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.

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 Manalapan, NJ Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Manalapan?

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Is going solar worth it?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

How long do solar panels last in Manalapan?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide 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.

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