Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Brunswick, NJ (2024 Update)

  • North Brunswick Solar Installation Cost: $11,564
  • 25-Year Savings: $8,776
  • Payback Period: 16.2 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 North Brunswick

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

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in North Brunswick it’s 4 per watt.The average North Brunswick 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.

The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in North Brunswick based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Despite the large upfront cost, the average North Brunswick homeowner can save about $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in North Brunswick

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 North Brunswick

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy consumption, but going with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.

Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 North Brunswick

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Brunswick

For many North Brunswick homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in North Brunswick, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the North Brunswick average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in North Brunswick, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in North Brunswick, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, 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 $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 panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.

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 North Brunswick, NJ Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in North Brunswick?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in North Brunswick?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.

Do solar panels increase your home value?

Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in North Brunswick is currently $452,397, so you can look forward to a value of about $18,548 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in North Brunswick is a worthwhile investment.

How long do solar panels last in North Brunswick?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 higher level 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.

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