Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plainsboro, NJ (Mar 2023)
- Plainsboro Solar Installation Cost: $9,075
- 25-Year Savings: $8,359
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Plainsboro
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Plainsboro.
In Plainsboro, solar panels cost about 2.77 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Plainsboro is around 4.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,075 for a solar installation, or $12,977 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. Despite the large upfront cost, the average Plainsboro homeowner can save around $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Plainsboro
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,377 |
| 3 years | $-6,982 |
| 5 years | $-5,588 |
| 7 years | $-4,193 |
| 9 years | $-2,798 |
| 11 years | $-1,404 |
| 13 years | $-9 |
| 15 years | $1,386 |
| 17 years | $2,780 |
| 19 years | $4,175 |
| 21 years | $5,570 |
| 23 years | $6,965 |
| 25 years | $8,359 |
Top Solar Installers in Plainsboro
Installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy usage, but working with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. 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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Plainsboro
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plainsboro
The cost of installing a solar system in Plainsboro can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Plainsboro average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Plainsboro provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can affect your pricing. Plainsboro's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice 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 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 | $2.88 | $12,099 | $10,252 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $13,979 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $17,862 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $21,899 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $26,092 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $30,440 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $34,943 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $39,601 | 11.7 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. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- 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.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Plainsboro, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Plainsboro?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Plainsboro?
You can't get solar panels for free in Plainsboro. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Plainsboro have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates 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.
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 how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.
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.