Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ocean Grove, NJ (2023 Update)

  • Ocean Grove Solar Installation Cost: $8,765
  • 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 September 15, 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 Ocean Grove

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Ocean Grove.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Ocean Grove generally cost about 2.77. The average Ocean Grove 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.

The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Ocean Grove based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. With typical savings of about $14,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Ocean Grove find installing solar panels can pay off big.

For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Ocean Grove

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-8,711
3 years $-8,603
5 years $-8,495
7 years $-8,387
9 years $-8,279
11 years $-8,171
13 years $-8,064
15 years $-7,956
17 years $-7,848
19 years $-7,740
21 years $-7,632
23 years $-7,524
25 years $-7,416

Top Solar Installers in Ocean Grove

Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra energy and know-how. That's why the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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 for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Grove

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ocean Grove

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Ocean Grove: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,770 per kilowatt in Ocean Grove. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Ocean Grove homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Ocean Grove, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes 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

The solar panel company you choose will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:

  • Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.

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 for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Ocean Grove, NJ Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ocean Grove?

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?

It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Ocean Grove, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How long do solar panels last in Ocean Grove?

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 higher amount 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.

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