Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ocean, NJ (2024 Update)
- Ocean Solar Installation Cost: $11,170
- 25-Year Savings: $7,419
- Payback Period: 17.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ocean
We go over average solar pricing in Ocean.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Ocean it’s 4 per watt.Since a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Ocean, the average price of going solar will be about $11,170 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Ocean homeowners see about $14,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Ocean for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Ocean
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,111 |
| 3 years | $-7,992 |
| 5 years | $-5,874 |
| 7 years | $-3,755 |
| 9 years | $-1,637 |
| 11 years | $481 |
| 13 years | $2,600 |
| 15 years | $4,718 |
| 17 years | $6,837 |
| 19 years | $8,955 |
| 21 years | $11,073 |
| 23 years | $13,192 |
| 25 years | $15,310 |
Top Solar Installers in Ocean
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra energy and know-how. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company as well, which can save you more money over time.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Ocean, the EcoWatch team has compiled 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 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 Ocean
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ocean
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Ocean: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,530. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Ocean, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Ocean, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Ocean 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 make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can play a role in determining your pricing. Ocean’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $6,062 | 17.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $8,478 | 17.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $11,092 | 17.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $13,903 | 16.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $16,912 | 16.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $20,119 | 16.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $23,524 | 15.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $27,126 | 15.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Ocean, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
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 Ocean, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ocean?
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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Ocean?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in Ocean?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.