Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Bound Brook, NJ (2024 Update)
- South Bound Brook Solar Installation Cost: $11,701
- 25-Year Savings: $8,668
- Payback Period: 16.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Bound Brook
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in South Bound Brook.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in South Bound Brook typically cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 4.7-kW system would cost about $11,701 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.With average savings of about $14,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in South Bound Brook find going solar can pay off big.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in South Bound Brook
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,279 |
| 3 years | $-7,434 |
| 5 years | $-4,589 |
| 7 years | $-1,745 |
| 9 years | $1,100 |
| 11 years | $3,945 |
| 13 years | $6,790 |
| 15 years | $9,634 |
| 17 years | $12,479 |
| 19 years | $15,324 |
| 21 years | $18,168 |
| 23 years | $21,013 |
| 25 years | $23,858 |
Top Solar Installers in South Bound Brook
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a challenging project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 South Bound Brook
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Bound Brook
There are several criteria that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,530.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Usually, 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 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many South Bound Brook homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for South Bound Brook homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $7,198 | 17.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $9,993 | 16.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $12,985 | 16.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $16,175 | 16.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $19,563 | 15.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $23,149 | 15.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $26,932 | 15.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $30,913 | 14.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in South Bound Brook, 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:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you go with.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
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 South Bound Brook, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in South Bound Brook?
The average cost of solar panels in South Bound Brook 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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in South Bound Brook?
Solar panels aren’t free in South Bound Brook, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located 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 $753.91 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount 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.