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

  • Howell Solar Installation Cost: $11,170
  • 25-Year Savings: $7,419
  • Payback Period: 17.3 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

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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 Howell

See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Howell.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Howell, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Because a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Howell, the average price of going solar will be about $11,170 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $14,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Howell find going solar can pay off big.

To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in Howell, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Howell

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,111
3 years $-7,992
5 years $-5,874
7 years $-3,755
9 years $-1,637
11 years $481
13 years $2,600
15 years $4,718
17 years $6,837
19 years $8,955
21 years $11,073
23 years $13,192
25 years $15,310

Top Solar Installers in Howell

DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.

Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

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 Howell

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Howell

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Howell: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,530 per kilowatt in Howell.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Howell, 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 more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Howell homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.It’s wise 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 back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Howell, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Howell know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

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 $6,062 17.9 years
8 kW $3.60 $20,163 $8,478 17.6 years
10 kW $3.53 $24,710 $11,092 17.3 years
12 kW $3.46 $29,059 $13,903 16.9 years
14 kW $3.39 $33,210 $16,912 16.6 years
16 kW $3.32 $37,164 $20,119 16.2 years
18 kW $3.25 $40,920 $23,524 15.9 years
20 kW $3.18 $44,478 $27,126 15.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.

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 Howell, NJ Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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 higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Howell?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Howell. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $716.04 per year.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily 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 install 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.

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