Solar Panel Cost Guide in Branchburg, NJ (2024 Update)
- Branchburg Solar Installation Cost: $11,701
- 25-Year Savings: $7,835
- Payback Period: 17.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Branchburg
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Branchburg.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Branchburg, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Branchburg, most homeowners require a 4.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,701, or $16,732 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Branchburg depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Branchburg can save around $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in Branchburg for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Branchburg
| 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 Branchburg
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Branchburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Branchburg
The cost of installing a solar system in Branchburg can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,530. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Branchburg homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.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 off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Branchburg is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $6,142 | 17.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $8,585 | 17.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $11,225 | 17.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $14,064 | 16.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $17,099 | 16.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $20,333 | 16.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $23,764 | 15.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $27,393 | 15.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before making your decision.
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 Branchburg, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Branchburg?
The average cost of solar panels in Branchburg is about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Branchburg have a net metering program?
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 offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.