Solar Panel Cost Guide in Union Beach, NJ (2024 Update)

  • Union Beach Solar Installation Cost: $11,170
  • 25-Year Savings: $7,419
  • Payback Period: 17.3 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

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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Union Beach

We go over average solar pricing in Union Beach.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Union Beach it’s 4 per watt.Since a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Union Beach, the average price of going solar will be about $11,170 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on power bills.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Union Beach for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Union Beach

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,111
3 years $-7,992
5 years $-5,874
7 years $-3,755
9 years $-1,637
11 years $481
13 years $2,600
15 years $4,718
17 years $6,837
19 years $8,955
21 years $11,073
23 years $13,192
25 years $15,310

Top Solar Installers in Union Beach

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. Because solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.

If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Union Beach, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:

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 Union Beach

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Union Beach

The cost of installing a solar system in Union Beach can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,530 per kilowatt in Union Beach.The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Union Beach offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can influence your pricing. Union Beach’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.

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 $6,062 17.9 years
8 kW $3.60 $20,163 $8,478 17.6 years
10 kW $3.53 $24,710 $11,092 17.3 years
12 kW $3.46 $29,059 $13,903 16.9 years
14 kW $3.39 $33,210 $16,912 16.6 years
16 kW $3.32 $37,164 $20,119 16.2 years
18 kW $3.25 $40,920 $23,524 15.9 years
20 kW $3.18 $44,478 $27,126 15.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
  • 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 likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.

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 Union Beach, NJ Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Union Beach?

The average cost of solar panels in Union Beach 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in Union Beach?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Union Beach. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Is switching to solar power worth it?

Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily 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 get 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.

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