Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oakhurst, NJ (Mar 2023)

  • Oakhurst Solar Installation Cost: $8,764
  • 25-Year Savings: $7,419
  • Payback Period: 13.5 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 Oakhurst

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Oakhurst.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Oakhurst generally cost about 2.77. The average Oakhurst homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $8,764 with the federal tax credit, or $12,533 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Oakhurst based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. With typical savings of about $14,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Oakhurst find going solar can be quite rewarding.

To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Oakhurst, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Oakhurst

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 Oakhurst

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for you.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:

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 Oakhurst

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oakhurst

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

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,770. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Oakhurst, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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 energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Oakhurst homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Oakhurst homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. 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

A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Oakhurst is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.

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

The company that does your solar system 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 company, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
  • Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.

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 Oakhurst, NJ Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Oakhurst?

The average cost of solar panels in Oakhurst is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Can you get solar panels for free in Oakhurst?

You can't get solar panels for free in Oakhurst. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Does Oakhurst have a net metering program?

Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.

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