Solar Panel Cost Guide in Southampton, NJ (2024 Update)
- Southampton Solar Installation Cost: $11,389
- 25-Year Savings: $9,994
- Payback Period: 15.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Southampton
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Southampton.
In Southampton, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Southampton is around 4.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,389 for a solar installation, or $16,286 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Southampton homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Southampton, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Southampton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,891 |
| 3 years | $-6,895 |
| 5 years | $-3,898 |
| 7 years | $-902 |
| 9 years | $2,094 |
| 11 years | $5,091 |
| 13 years | $8,087 |
| 15 years | $11,083 |
| 17 years | $14,080 |
| 19 years | $17,076 |
| 21 years | $20,073 |
| 23 years | $23,069 |
| 25 years | $26,065 |
Top Solar Installers in Southampton
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar company as well, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some 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 Southampton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Southampton
While the average cost of a solar system in Southampton is $11,389, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,530. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Southampton, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Southampton, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and bulk 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 down 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 | $9,225 | 15.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $12,695 | 15.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $16,363 | 15.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $20,229 | 14.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $24,292 | 14.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $28,553 | 14.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $33,012 | 13.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $37,669 | 13.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
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 Southampton, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Southampton?
The average cost of solar panels in Southampton 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 like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Southampton?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $821.47 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.