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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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.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in South Brunswick, most homeowners require a 4.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,564, or $16,537 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of South Brunswick homeowners. The price 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.Despite the large upfront cost, the average South Brunswick homeowner can save about $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
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 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
When going solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. 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 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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
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
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,530.The 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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the South Brunswick average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many South Brunswick homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for South Brunswick homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in South Brunswick, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in South Brunswick have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 many companies to choose from 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: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
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 many factors. Broadly 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 higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in South Brunswick?
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 often do you have to replace solar panels?
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.