Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Toms River, NJ (2025 Update)
- South Toms River Solar Installation Cost: $10,964
- 25-Year Savings: $7,580
- Payback Period: 16.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Toms River
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in South Toms River.
In South Toms River, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 4.4-kW system would cost about $10,964 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in South Toms River
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,905 |
| 3 years | $-7,787 |
| 5 years | $-5,668 |
| 7 years | $-3,550 |
| 9 years | $-1,432 |
| 11 years | $687 |
| 13 years | $2,805 |
| 15 years | $4,923 |
| 17 years | $7,042 |
| 19 years | $9,160 |
| 21 years | $11,279 |
| 23 years | $13,397 |
| 25 years | $15,515 |
Top Solar Installers in South Toms River
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a difficult task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in South Toms River, optimizing your ROI.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in South Toms River:
See all of the solar companies in South Toms River
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Toms River
There are several factors that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional 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 time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many South Toms River homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s crucial to consider that 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
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can impact how much it costs. South Toms River’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more 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 | $3.67 | $15,419 | $6,464 | 17.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $9,014 | 17.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $11,762 | 16.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $14,708 | 16.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $17,851 | 16.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $21,192 | 15.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $24,730 | 15.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $28,466 | 15.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before making your decision.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
EcoWatch's South Toms River, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in South Toms River?
The average cost of solar panels in South Toms River is about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in South Toms River?
Solar panels aren’t free in South Toms River, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout South Toms River, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.