Solar Panel Cost Guide in Middletown, NJ (Mar 2023)
- Middletown Solar Installation Cost: $8,764
- 25-Year Savings: $7,419
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Middletown
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Middletown.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Middletown, the average cost of solar panels is 2.77 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $8,764 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $14,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Middletown find investing in solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Middletown for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Middletown
| 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 Middletown
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra labor and handiness. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're searching for a solar company in Middletown, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Middletown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Middletown
For many Middletown homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Middletown, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Middletown, one of the most important 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 power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,770 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 Middletown, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Middletown to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can influence the cost. Middletown's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down 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
There are a large number of companies available in Middletown, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid 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 support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Middletown, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Middletown?
The average cost of solar panels in Middletown 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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Middletown, 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 contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although 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 choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.