Solar Panel Cost Guide in South River, NJ (2024 Update)
- South River Solar Installation Cost: $11,564
- 25-Year Savings: $7,943
- Payback Period: 17.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South River
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in South River.
The average cost of solar panels in South River is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.7-kW system would cost about $11,564 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in South River
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,505 |
| 3 years | $-8,387 |
| 5 years | $-6,268 |
| 7 years | $-4,150 |
| 9 years | $-2,031 |
| 11 years | $87 |
| 13 years | $2,205 |
| 15 years | $4,324 |
| 17 years | $6,442 |
| 19 years | $8,561 |
| 21 years | $10,679 |
| 23 years | $12,797 |
| 25 years | $14,916 |
Top Solar Installers in South River
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a challenging task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another good thing about going with a reliable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in South River:
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 River
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South River
While the average cost of a solar system in South River is $11,564, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,530 per kilowatt in South River.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like South River, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can affect how much you pay. South River’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to 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 they have greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $6,398 | 17.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $8,926 | 17.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $11,651 | 17.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $14,575 | 16.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $17,696 | 16.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $21,014 | 16.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $24,530 | 15.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $28,245 | 15.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panels, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
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 River, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in South River?
The average cost of solar panels in South River is about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in South River?
Solar panels aren’t free in South River, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in South River is currently $448,206, which means you could be looking at a value of about $18,376 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in South River is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in South River?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.