Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Freehold, NJ (2024 Update)
- West Freehold 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 West Freehold
We go over average solar pricing in West Freehold.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in West Freehold generally cost around 4.The average solar panel system size in West Freehold is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,170 for a solar installation, or $15,973 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of West Freehold homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in West Freehold can save about $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in West Freehold that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in West Freehold
| 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 West Freehold
Installing solar panels on your own can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers 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 West Freehold
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Freehold
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in West Freehold: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,530.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions 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 searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in West Freehold to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can affect your pricing. West Freehold’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 West Freehold, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Freehold?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep 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 West Freehold?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.