Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ocean Acres, NJ (2024 Update)

  • Ocean Acres Solar Installation Cost: $10,964
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,868
  • Payback Period: 14.1 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 Ocean Acres

We go over average solar pricing in Ocean Acres.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Ocean Acres it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.4-kW system would cost about $10,964 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $17,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Ocean Acres find going solar has a decent ROI.

To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Ocean Acres

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-9,466
3 years $-6,470
5 years $-3,474
7 years $-477
9 years $2,519
11 years $5,516
13 years $8,512
15 years $11,508
17 years $14,505
19 years $17,501
21 years $20,498
23 years $23,494
25 years $26,490

Top Solar Installers in Ocean Acres

When going solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Ocean Acres, optimizing your ROI.

Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Ocean Acres

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ocean Acres

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Ocean Acres: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,530. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Ocean Acres have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

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 $10,911 14.6 years
8 kW $3.60 $20,163 $14,943 14.4 years
10 kW $3.53 $24,710 $19,173 14.1 years
12 kW $3.46 $29,059 $23,601 13.8 years
14 kW $3.39 $33,210 $28,226 13.5 years
16 kW $3.32 $37,164 $33,049 13.2 years
18 kW $3.25 $40,920 $38,070 13.0 years
20 kW $3.18 $44,478 $43,288 12.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies available in Ocean Acres, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a 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 Ocean Acres, NJ Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ocean Acres?

The average cost of solar panels in Ocean Acres 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 certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Ocean Acres?

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 property 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 financial benefits from going solar.

How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?

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 $877.66 per year.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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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