Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plainsboro, NJ (2025 Update)
- Plainsboro Solar Installation Cost: $11,564
- 25-Year Savings: $8,359
- Payback Period: 16.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Plainsboro
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Plainsboro.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Plainsboro it’s 4 per watt.The average Plainsboro homeowner needs a 4.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,564 with the federal tax credit, or $16,537 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Plainsboro homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Plainsboro homeowners see about $14,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Plainsboro
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,263 |
| 3 years | $-7,660 |
| 5 years | $-5,058 |
| 7 years | $-2,455 |
| 9 years | $148 |
| 11 years | $2,750 |
| 13 years | $5,353 |
| 15 years | $7,955 |
| 17 years | $10,558 |
| 19 years | $13,161 |
| 21 years | $15,763 |
| 23 years | $18,366 |
| 25 years | $20,969 |
Top Solar Installers in Plainsboro
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in Plainsboro
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plainsboro
For many Plainsboro homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Plainsboro, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Plainsboro, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,530 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Plainsboro, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Plainsboro, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that 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 at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $6,932 | 17.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $9,638 | 16.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $12,542 | 16.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $15,643 | 16.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $18,942 | 15.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $22,439 | 15.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $26,133 | 15.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $30,025 | 14.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
EcoWatch's Plainsboro, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Plainsboro?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Plainsboro?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Plainsboro is currently $717,314, so you can look forward to a value of about $29,410 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Plainsboro is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.