Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Brunswick, NJ (Mar 2023)
- North Brunswick Solar Installation Cost: $9,075
- 25-Year Savings: $8,776
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Brunswick
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in North Brunswick.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in North Brunswick it's 2.77 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 4.7-kW system would cost about $9,075 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of going solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average North Brunswick homeowners see about $14,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in North Brunswick
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,360 |
| 3 years | $-6,932 |
| 5 years | $-5,504 |
| 7 years | $-4,076 |
| 9 years | $-2,648 |
| 11 years | $-1,220 |
| 13 years | $208 |
| 15 years | $1,636 |
| 17 years | $3,064 |
| 19 years | $4,492 |
| 21 years | $5,920 |
| 23 years | $7,348 |
| 25 years | $8,776 |
Top Solar Installers in North Brunswick
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your home.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 North Brunswick
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Brunswick
There are a number of factors that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,770 per kilowatt in North Brunswick. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in North Brunswick, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in North Brunswick, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in North Brunswick have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $10,786 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $14,691 | 13.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $18,752 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $22,968 | 12.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $27,338 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $31,864 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $36,546 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $41,382 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 North Brunswick, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in North Brunswick?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in North Brunswick?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in North Brunswick, 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 North Brunswick?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having 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.