Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Windsor, NJ (2023 Update)
- West Windsor Solar Installation Cost: $9,152
- 25-Year Savings: $8,143
- Payback Period: 13.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Windsor
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in West Windsor.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in West Windsor, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.77 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in West Windsor, most homeowners require a 4.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $9,152, or $13,087 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in West Windsor
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,460 |
| 3 years | $-7,077 |
| 5 years | $-5,693 |
| 7 years | $-4,310 |
| 9 years | $-2,926 |
| 11 years | $-1,542 |
| 13 years | $-159 |
| 15 years | $1,225 |
| 17 years | $2,608 |
| 19 years | $3,992 |
| 21 years | $5,376 |
| 23 years | $6,759 |
| 25 years | $8,143 |
Top Solar Installers in West Windsor
Installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Windsor
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Windsor
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in West Windsor: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over 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 most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,770. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 more savings over time. Also, 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 Windsor offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in West Windsor is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in West Windsor have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $9,904 | 13.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $13,516 | 13.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $17,283 | 13.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $21,205 | 13.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $25,282 | 12.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $29,514 | 12.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $33,901 | 12.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $38,444 | 11.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model 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 pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
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 Windsor, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Windsor?
The average cost of solar panels in West Windsor 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 things such as the kind 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 Windsor?
You can't get solar panels for free in West Windsor. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in West Windsor?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.