Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oak Valley, NJ (2024 Update)
- Oak Valley Solar Installation Cost: $11,485
- 25-Year Savings: $11,293
- Payback Period: 14.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oak Valley
We break down average solar pricing in Oak Valley.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Oak Valley generally cost around 4.The average solar panel system size in Oak Valley is around 4.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,485 for a solar installation, or $16,424 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Oak Valley depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Oak Valley homeowner can save about $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Oak Valley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,987 |
| 3 years | $-6,990 |
| 5 years | $-3,994 |
| 7 years | $-998 |
| 9 years | $1,999 |
| 11 years | $4,995 |
| 13 years | $7,992 |
| 15 years | $10,988 |
| 17 years | $13,984 |
| 19 years | $16,981 |
| 21 years | $19,977 |
| 23 years | $22,973 |
| 25 years | $25,970 |
Top Solar Installers in Oak Valley
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by offering warranties and repairs.
Working with a vetted solar installer 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Oak Valley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oak Valley
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Oak Valley: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation require 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 $3,530.The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider 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 falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Oak Valley, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Oak Valley homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Oak Valley, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $10,794 | 14.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $14,787 | 14.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $18,978 | 14.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $23,366 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $27,953 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $32,737 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $37,718 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $42,898 | 12.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panels, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high 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.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Oak Valley, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Oak Valley?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Oak Valley?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Oak Valley. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located 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 $873.76 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.