Solar Panel Cost Guide in Southampton, NJ (2024 Update)

  • Southampton Solar Installation Cost: $11,389
  • 25-Year Savings: $9,994
  • Payback Period: 15.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Southampton

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Southampton.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Southampton, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Southampton is around 4.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,389 for a solar installation, or $16,286 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

To get a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Southampton, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Southampton

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-9,891
3 years $-6,895
5 years $-3,898
7 years $-902
9 years $2,094
11 years $5,091
13 years $8,087
15 years $11,083
17 years $14,080
19 years $17,076
21 years $20,073
23 years $23,069
25 years $26,065

Top Solar Installers in Southampton

When going solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.

If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Southampton:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Southampton

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Southampton

There are several criteria that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,530 per kilowatt in Southampton.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Southampton homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Southampton is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 $9,225 15.6 years
8 kW $3.60 $20,163 $12,695 15.3 years
10 kW $3.53 $24,710 $16,363 15.0 years
12 kW $3.46 $29,059 $20,229 14.7 years
14 kW $3.39 $33,210 $24,292 14.4 years
16 kW $3.32 $37,164 $28,553 14.1 years
18 kW $3.25 $40,920 $33,012 13.8 years
20 kW $3.18 $44,478 $37,669 13.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies available in Southampton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
  • Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Southampton, NJ Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Southampton?

The average cost of solar panels in Southampton 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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Southampton?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to 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 bang for your buck from going solar.

How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?

It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Southampton, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

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 needs 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.

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.

Follow us