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

  • Merchantville Solar Installation Cost: $9,036
  • 25-Year Savings: $8,815
  • Payback Period: 12.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 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 Merchantville

We break down average solar pricing in Merchantville.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Merchantville it's 2.77 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Merchantville is around 4.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,036 for a solar installation, or $12,921 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Merchantville homeowners. The price 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. Even with the large upfront cost, the average Merchantville homeowner can save about $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

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

Solar savings over time in Merchantville

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-8,322
3 years $-6,894
5 years $-5,466
7 years $-4,038
9 years $-2,610
11 years $-1,182
13 years $247
15 years $1,675
17 years $3,103
19 years $4,531
21 years $5,959
23 years $7,387
25 years $8,815

Top Solar Installers in Merchantville

Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a stressful project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.

Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

See all of the solar companies in Merchantville

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Merchantville

The cost of installing a solar system in Merchantville can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key 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 $2,770. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Merchantville to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can affect your pricing. Merchantville's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Merchantville know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 $2.88 $12,099 $10,892 13.2 years
8 kW $2.83 $15,822 $14,833 12.9 years
10 kW $2.77 $19,390 $18,929 12.7 years
12 kW $2.71 $22,803 $23,181 12.4 years
14 kW $2.66 $26,060 $27,587 12.1 years
16 kW $2.60 $29,163 $32,148 11.9 years
18 kW $2.55 $32,110 $36,865 11.6 years
20 kW $2.49 $34,902 $41,737 11.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies available in Merchantville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.

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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

EcoWatch's Merchantville, NJ Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Merchantville is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

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

The upfront cost is a key 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 be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $766.39 per year.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much 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 account for 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.

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