Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Brunswick, NJ (2023 Update)
- South Brunswick 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 South Brunswick
See how much it might cost to go solar in South Brunswick.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in South Brunswick typically cost about 2.77. Because a 4.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in South Brunswick, the average price of going solar will be about $9,075 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs may differ based on your specific situation and what company you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in South Brunswick can save about $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in South Brunswick, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in South Brunswick
| 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 South Brunswick
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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
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 South Brunswick
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Brunswick
For many South Brunswick homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on 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 a number of factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy 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 spend around $2,770 per kilowatt in South Brunswick. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many South Brunswick homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout South Brunswick, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger 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
There are a large number of 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:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification 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.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 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 precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in South Brunswick?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility 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 larger 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.