Solar Panel Cost Guide in Somerville, NJ (2023 Update)
- Somerville Solar Installation Cost: $9,191
- 25-Year Savings: $7,826
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Somerville
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in Somerville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Somerville it's 2.77 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Somerville is around 4.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,191 for a solar installation, or $13,143 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Somerville homeowners see about $14,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a top solar installation company in Somerville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Somerville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,510 |
| 3 years | $-7,149 |
| 5 years | $-5,787 |
| 7 years | $-4,426 |
| 9 years | $-3,065 |
| 11 years | $-1,703 |
| 13 years | $-342 |
| 15 years | $1,019 |
| 17 years | $2,381 |
| 19 years | $3,742 |
| 21 years | $5,103 |
| 23 years | $6,465 |
| 25 years | $7,826 |
Top Solar Installers in Somerville
When going solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Somerville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Somerville
For many Somerville homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Somerville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The type of 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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Somerville average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Somerville have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Somerville, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 choose a company that offers 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 | $2.88 | $12,099 | $9,462 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $12,926 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $16,545 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $20,320 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $24,250 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $28,334 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $32,574 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $36,969 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Somerville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like to install plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Somerville, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Somerville?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Somerville?
You can't get solar panels for free in Somerville. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Somerville?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much 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 get 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.
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.