Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Freehold, NJ (2023 Update)
- West Freehold Solar Installation Cost: $8,765
- 25-Year Savings: $7,419
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Freehold
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in West Freehold.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in West Freehold generally cost around 2.77. Since a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in West Freehold, the average price of going solar will be about $8,764 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average West Freehold homeowner can save around $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in West Freehold for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in West Freehold
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,706 |
| 3 years | $-5,587 |
| 5 years | $-3,469 |
| 7 years | $-1,351 |
| 9 years | $768 |
| 11 years | $2,886 |
| 13 years | $5,005 |
| 15 years | $7,123 |
| 17 years | $9,241 |
| 19 years | $11,360 |
| 21 years | $13,478 |
| 23 years | $15,597 |
| 25 years | $17,715 |
Top Solar Installers in West Freehold
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in West Freehold
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Freehold
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major 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
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,770 per kilowatt in West Freehold. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 greater 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in West Freehold to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can influence the cost. West Freehold's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.88 | $12,099 | $9,382 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $12,819 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $16,412 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $20,160 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $24,062 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $28,120 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $32,333 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $36,702 | 12.2 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 brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you choose.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's West Freehold, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Freehold?
The average cost of solar panels in West Freehold is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in West Freehold?
Solar panels aren't free in West Freehold, 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 help lower the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in West Freehold?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.