Solar Panel Cost Guide in Marlboro, NJ (2023 Update)
- Marlboro Solar Installation Cost: $8,764
- 25-Year Savings: $7,419
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Marlboro
We break down average solar pricing in Marlboro.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Marlboro is 2.77 per watt. The average Marlboro homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $8,764 with the federal tax credit, or $12,533 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you may vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Marlboro can save around $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Marlboro that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Marlboro
| 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 Marlboro
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies offer 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 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 Marlboro
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Marlboro
The cost of installing a solar system in Marlboro can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think 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 searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Marlboro homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- 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.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
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 Marlboro, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Marlboro?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Marlboro?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.