Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bernards, NJ (2024 Update)

  • Bernards Solar Installation Cost: $11,701
  • 25-Year Savings: $7,418
  • Payback Period: 17.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bernards

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Bernards.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Bernards, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Bernards homeowner needs a 4.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,701 with the federal tax credit, or $16,732 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Bernards homeowners see about $13,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Bernards

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,642
3 years $-8,524
5 years $-6,405
7 years $-4,287
9 years $-2,168
11 years $-50
13 years $2,068
15 years $4,187
17 years $6,305
19 years $8,424
21 years $10,542
23 years $12,660
25 years $14,779

Top Solar Installers in Bernards

Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Bernards

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bernards

The cost of installing a solar system in Bernards can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production 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 $3,530.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Bernards, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Bernards offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Bernards, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.

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 $5,614 18.3 years
8 kW $3.60 $20,163 $7,881 18.0 years
10 kW $3.53 $24,710 $10,346 17.6 years
12 kW $3.46 $29,059 $13,008 17.3 years
14 kW $3.39 $33,210 $15,868 16.9 years
16 kW $3.32 $37,164 $18,925 16.6 years
18 kW $3.25 $40,920 $22,180 16.2 years
20 kW $3.18 $44,478 $25,633 15.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:

  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
  • Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Bernards, NJ Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bernards?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a key 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 take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Does Bernards have a net metering program?

Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.

Follow us