Solar Panel Cost Guide in Heathcote, NJ (2024 Update)
- Heathcote Solar Installation Cost: $11,564
- 25-Year Savings: $8,776
- Payback Period: 16.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Heathcote
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Heathcote.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Heathcote, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average Heathcote homeowner needs a 4.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,564 with the federal tax credit, or $16,537 before the 0 tax credit 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 use, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $14,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Heathcote find going solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in Heathcote for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Heathcote
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,142 |
| 3 years | $-7,297 |
| 5 years | $-4,452 |
| 7 years | $-1,608 |
| 9 years | $1,237 |
| 11 years | $4,082 |
| 13 years | $6,927 |
| 15 years | $9,771 |
| 17 years | $12,616 |
| 19 years | $15,461 |
| 21 years | $18,306 |
| 23 years | $21,150 |
| 25 years | $23,995 |
Top Solar Installers in Heathcote
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a stressful undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. 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 reducing potential costs down the line.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Heathcote
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Heathcote
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Heathcote: 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
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,530 per kilowatt in Heathcote.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Heathcote homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for 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 pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Heathcote, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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 | $3.67 | $15,419 | $7,466 | 16.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $10,350 | 16.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $13,432 | 16.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $16,711 | 15.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $20,188 | 15.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $23,863 | 15.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $27,736 | 14.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $31,806 | 14.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Heathcote, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Heathcote?
The average cost of solar panels in Heathcote 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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider other than 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.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Heathcote?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide 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.