Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plainsboro, NJ (2024 Update)
- Plainsboro Solar Installation Cost: $11,564
- 25-Year Savings: $8,359
- Payback Period: 16.6 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 Plainsboro
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Plainsboro.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Plainsboro generally cost about 4.Since a 4.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Plainsboro, the average price of going solar will be about $11,564 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Plainsboro based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Plainsboro can save about $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Plainsboro, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Plainsboro
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,263 |
| 3 years | $-7,660 |
| 5 years | $-5,058 |
| 7 years | $-2,455 |
| 9 years | $148 |
| 11 years | $2,750 |
| 13 years | $5,353 |
| 15 years | $7,955 |
| 17 years | $10,558 |
| 19 years | $13,161 |
| 21 years | $15,763 |
| 23 years | $18,366 |
| 25 years | $20,969 |
Top Solar Installers in Plainsboro
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra effort and know-how. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Plainsboro
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plainsboro
For many Plainsboro homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Plainsboro, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much 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 Plainsboro to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of 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 larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Plainsboro, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $6,932 | 17.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $9,638 | 16.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $12,542 | 16.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $15,643 | 16.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $18,942 | 15.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $22,439 | 15.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $26,133 | 15.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $30,025 | 14.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Plainsboro, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar energy system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Plainsboro, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Plainsboro?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Plainsboro?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 option if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 buy 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.