Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kingwood, NJ (2024 Update)
- Kingwood Solar Installation Cost: $11,751
- 25-Year Savings: $6,963
- Payback Period: 18.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kingwood
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Kingwood.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Kingwood, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.8-kW system would cost about $11,751 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Kingwood homeowner can save about $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Kingwood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,692 |
| 3 years | $-8,574 |
| 5 years | $-6,455 |
| 7 years | $-4,337 |
| 9 years | $-2,218 |
| 11 years | $-100 |
| 13 years | $2,018 |
| 15 years | $4,137 |
| 17 years | $6,255 |
| 19 years | $8,374 |
| 21 years | $10,492 |
| 23 years | $12,610 |
| 25 years | $14,729 |
Top Solar Installers in Kingwood
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Kingwood, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Kingwood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kingwood
There are a number of criteria that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Kingwood, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,530 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Kingwood to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can play a role in determining the cost. Kingwood’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater 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 promotion can bring their pricing down 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 | $4,999 | 18.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $7,061 | 18.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $9,320 | 18.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $11,777 | 17.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $14,432 | 17.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $17,285 | 17.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $20,335 | 16.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $23,583 | 16.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- 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.
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 Kingwood, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Kingwood?
The average cost of solar panels in Kingwood is about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Kingwood?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Kingwood?
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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.