Solar Panel Cost Guide in Union Beach, NJ (2025 Update)
- Union Beach Solar Installation Cost: $11,170
- 25-Year Savings: $7,419
- Payback Period: 17.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Union Beach
We go over average solar pricing in Union Beach.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Union Beach it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Union Beach, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,170, or $15,973 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Union Beach depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on power bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Union Beach that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Union Beach
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,111 |
| 3 years | $-7,992 |
| 5 years | $-5,874 |
| 7 years | $-3,755 |
| 9 years | $-1,637 |
| 11 years | $481 |
| 13 years | $2,600 |
| 15 years | $4,718 |
| 17 years | $6,837 |
| 19 years | $8,955 |
| 21 years | $11,073 |
| 23 years | $13,192 |
| 25 years | $15,310 |
Top Solar Installers in Union Beach
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be challenging. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Union Beach, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Union Beach
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Union Beach
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Union Beach: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Union Beach, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,530 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Union Beach homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Union Beach, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 | $6,062 | 17.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $8,478 | 17.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $11,092 | 17.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $13,903 | 16.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $16,912 | 16.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $20,119 | 16.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $23,524 | 15.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $27,126 | 15.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
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 Union Beach, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Union Beach?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Union Beach?
Solar panels aren’t free in Union Beach, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 buy 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.