Solar Panel Cost Guide in Barrington, NJ (2024 Update)
- Barrington Solar Installation Cost: $11,511
- 25-Year Savings: $8,818
- Payback Period: 16.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Barrington
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Barrington.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Barrington typically cost about 4.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Barrington, most homeowners require a 4.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,511, or $16,461 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Barrington homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $15,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Barrington find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Barrington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,088 |
| 3 years | $-7,244 |
| 5 years | $-4,399 |
| 7 years | $-1,554 |
| 9 years | $1,291 |
| 11 years | $4,135 |
| 13 years | $6,980 |
| 15 years | $9,825 |
| 17 years | $12,670 |
| 19 years | $15,514 |
| 21 years | $18,359 |
| 23 years | $21,204 |
| 25 years | $24,049 |
Top Solar Installers in Barrington
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installer since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Barrington:
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 Barrington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Barrington
For many Barrington homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Barrington, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,530. The brand and type 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 often have a higher price tag 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 more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Barrington homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Barrington homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can influence how much you pay. Barrington’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $7,573 | 16.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $10,492 | 16.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $13,609 | 16.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $16,924 | 15.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $20,437 | 15.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $24,147 | 15.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $28,055 | 14.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $32,161 | 14.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
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 Barrington, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Barrington?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 other solar equipment or more efficient 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.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Barrington?
Each state has some form 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 give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.