Solar Panel Cost Guide in Paulsboro, NJ (2024 Update)
- Paulsboro Solar Installation Cost: $11,485
- 25-Year Savings: $11,293
- Payback Period: 14.1 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 Paulsboro
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Paulsboro.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Paulsboro, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Since a 4.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Paulsboro, the average price of going solar will be about $11,485 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Paulsboro can save around $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Paulsboro
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,987 |
| 3 years | $-6,990 |
| 5 years | $-3,994 |
| 7 years | $-998 |
| 9 years | $1,999 |
| 11 years | $4,995 |
| 13 years | $7,992 |
| 15 years | $10,988 |
| 17 years | $13,984 |
| 19 years | $16,981 |
| 21 years | $19,977 |
| 23 years | $22,973 |
| 25 years | $25,970 |
Top Solar Installers in Paulsboro
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since handling can be a difficult project. Another great thing about using a reliable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Paulsboro, the EcoWatch team has compiled 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 Paulsboro
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Paulsboro
While the average cost of a solar system in Paulsboro is $11,485, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, 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 nearly $3,530. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Paulsboro, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you pick will impact your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to 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 | $10,794 | 14.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $14,787 | 14.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $18,978 | 14.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $23,366 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $27,953 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $32,737 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $37,718 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $42,898 | 12.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Paulsboro, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- 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 most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 Paulsboro, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Paulsboro?
The average cost of solar panels in Paulsboro 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 things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Paulsboro?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to 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 savings from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Paulsboro?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.