Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Brunswick, NJ (2024 Update)
- South Brunswick Solar Installation Cost: $11,564
- 25-Year Savings: $8,359
- Payback Period: 16.6 Years
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Updated February 03, 2024
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Brunswick
We break down average solar pricing in South Brunswick.
The average cost of a solar system in South Brunswick is 4 per watt.Because a 4.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in South Brunswick, the average price of going solar will be about $11,564 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on your specific situation and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average South Brunswick homeowners see about $14,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in South Brunswick
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 South Brunswick
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Another good thing about going with a vetted solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 South Brunswick
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Brunswick
For many South Brunswick homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in South Brunswick, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,530 per kilowatt in South Brunswick.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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 over time on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the South Brunswick average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in South Brunswick to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for South Brunswick homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.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 at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has 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 | $6,932 | 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
There are numerous companies available in South Brunswick, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 South Brunswick, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in South Brunswick?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does South Brunswick have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
How long do solar panels last in South Brunswick?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.