Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Long Branch, NJ (2023 Update)
- West Long Branch 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 Long Branch
We break down average solar pricing in West Long Branch.
The average cost of solar panels in West Long Branch is 2.77 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $8,764 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in West Long Branch based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Long Branch
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,711 |
| 3 years | $-8,603 |
| 5 years | $-8,495 |
| 7 years | $-8,387 |
| 9 years | $-8,279 |
| 11 years | $-8,171 |
| 13 years | $-8,064 |
| 15 years | $-7,956 |
| 17 years | $-7,848 |
| 19 years | $-7,740 |
| 21 years | $-7,632 |
| 23 years | $-7,524 |
| 25 years | $-7,416 |
Top Solar Installers in West Long Branch
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
There are a number of 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 Long Branch
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Long Branch
The cost of installing a solar system in West Long Branch can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and type of equipment you want 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 limited roof space 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 add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in West Long Branch provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. It's a good idea 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 last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in West Long Branch, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk 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 large number of companies available in West Long Branch, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- 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 cost.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of 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 good reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like to install plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the durability of your solar system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Long Branch, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Long Branch?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in West Long Branch?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.