Solar Panel Cost Guide in Princeton, NJ (2024 Update)
- Princeton Solar Installation Cost: $11,653
- 25-Year Savings: $8,706
- Payback Period: 16.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Princeton
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Princeton.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Princeton typically cost around 4.The average solar panel system size in Princeton is around 4.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,653 for a solar installation, or $16,664 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.With typical savings of about $14,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Princeton 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 Princeton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,231 |
| 3 years | $-7,386 |
| 5 years | $-4,541 |
| 7 years | $-1,697 |
| 9 years | $1,148 |
| 11 years | $3,993 |
| 13 years | $6,838 |
| 15 years | $9,682 |
| 17 years | $12,527 |
| 19 years | $15,372 |
| 21 years | $18,217 |
| 23 years | $21,061 |
| 25 years | $23,906 |
Top Solar Installers in Princeton
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra time and expertise. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, opting for a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Princeton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Princeton
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Princeton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately gauge 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 choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Princeton offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Princeton, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Princeton have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $7,292 | 17.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $10,117 | 16.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $13,141 | 16.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $16,362 | 16.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $19,781 | 15.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $23,398 | 15.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $27,212 | 15.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $31,224 | 14.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Princeton, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Princeton?
The average cost of solar panels in Princeton 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 certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Princeton?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Princeton. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Princeton is currently $853,835, which means you can look forward to a value of about $35,007 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Princeton is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.