Solar Panel Cost Guide in Somerville, NJ (2025 Update)
- Somerville Solar Installation Cost: $11,701
- 25-Year Savings: $7,835
- Payback Period: 17.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Somerville
We break down average solar pricing in Somerville.
The average cost of a solar system in Somerville is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Somerville is around 4.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,701 for a solar installation, or $16,732 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Somerville homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Somerville can save about $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Somerville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,642 |
| 3 years | $-8,524 |
| 5 years | $-6,405 |
| 7 years | $-4,287 |
| 9 years | $-2,168 |
| 11 years | $-50 |
| 13 years | $2,068 |
| 15 years | $4,187 |
| 17 years | $6,305 |
| 19 years | $8,424 |
| 21 years | $10,542 |
| 23 years | $12,660 |
| 25 years | $14,779 |
Top Solar Installers in Somerville
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be hard. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your home.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Somerville, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in Somerville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Somerville
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Somerville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,530. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Somerville is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to 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 larger companies.
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 | $6,142 | 17.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $8,585 | 17.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $11,225 | 17.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $14,064 | 16.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $17,099 | 16.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $20,333 | 16.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $23,764 | 15.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $27,393 | 15.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
EcoWatch's Somerville, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Somerville?
The average cost of solar panels in Somerville 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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Somerville?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.