Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wharton, NJ (2023 Update)
- Wharton Solar Installation Cost: $9,268
- 25-Year Savings: $6,915
- Payback Period: 14.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wharton
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Wharton.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Wharton is 2.77 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Wharton is around 4.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,268 for a solar installation, or $13,253 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Wharton based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Wharton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,621 |
| 3 years | $-7,326 |
| 5 years | $-6,032 |
| 7 years | $-4,737 |
| 9 years | $-3,442 |
| 11 years | $-2,148 |
| 13 years | $-853 |
| 15 years | $442 |
| 17 years | $1,737 |
| 19 years | $3,031 |
| 21 years | $4,326 |
| 23 years | $5,621 |
| 25 years | $6,915 |
Top Solar Installers in Wharton
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Wharton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wharton
For many Wharton homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Wharton, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,770 per kilowatt in Wharton. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Wharton average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Wharton provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Wharton is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also is 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 | $2.88 | $12,099 | $8,221 | 14.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $11,271 | 14.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $14,477 | 14.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $17,838 | 14.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $21,354 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $25,025 | 13.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $28,851 | 13.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $32,832 | 12.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer 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.
- 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.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Wharton, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Wharton?
The average cost of solar panels in Wharton 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 like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Wharton?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Wharton is currently $297,700, so you can look forward to a value of about $12,206 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Wharton is a rewarding investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having 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.