Solar Panel Cost Guide in Middlesex, NJ (2024 Update)
- Middlesex Solar Installation Cost: $11,564
- 25-Year Savings: $8,776
- Payback Period: 16.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Middlesex
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Middlesex.
The average cost of a solar system in Middlesex is 4 per watt.The average Middlesex homeowner needs a 4.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,564 with the federal tax credit, or $16,537 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Middlesex depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Middlesex see about $14,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Middlesex, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Middlesex
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,142 |
| 3 years | $-7,297 |
| 5 years | $-4,452 |
| 7 years | $-1,608 |
| 9 years | $1,237 |
| 11 years | $4,082 |
| 13 years | $6,927 |
| 15 years | $9,771 |
| 17 years | $12,616 |
| 19 years | $15,461 |
| 21 years | $18,306 |
| 23 years | $21,150 |
| 25 years | $23,995 |
Top Solar Installers in Middlesex
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Middlesex:
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 Middlesex
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Middlesex
For many Middlesex homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Middlesex, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Middlesex, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,530 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Middlesex, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Middlesex homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Middlesex homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Middlesex, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $7,466 | 16.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $10,350 | 16.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $13,432 | 16.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $16,711 | 15.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $20,188 | 15.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $23,863 | 15.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $27,736 | 14.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $31,806 | 14.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Long-running 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 quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
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 Middlesex, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Middlesex?
The average cost of solar panels in Middlesex is about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Middlesex?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Middlesex, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Middlesex?
Even 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had 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.