Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Windsor, NJ (2024 Update)
- West Windsor Solar Installation Cost: $11,653
- 25-Year Savings: $8,151
- Payback Period: 16.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Windsor
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in West Windsor.
The average cost of a solar system in West Windsor is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in West Windsor, most homeowners require a 4.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,653, or $16,664 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of West Windsor homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the large initial cost, the average West Windsor homeowner can save about $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Windsor
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,473 |
| 3 years | $-8,112 |
| 5 years | $-5,752 |
| 7 years | $-3,391 |
| 9 years | $-1,031 |
| 11 years | $1,330 |
| 13 years | $3,690 |
| 15 years | $6,051 |
| 17 years | $8,411 |
| 19 years | $10,772 |
| 21 years | $13,132 |
| 23 years | $15,493 |
| 25 years | $17,853 |
Top Solar Installers in West Windsor
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra effort and know-how. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
Working with a professional solar company 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 West Windsor
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Windsor
There are several factors that can determine your total 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 panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production require 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 a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in West Windsor, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for West Windsor homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $6,585 | 17.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $9,175 | 17.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $11,963 | 16.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $14,949 | 16.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $18,132 | 16.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $21,513 | 15.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $25,091 | 15.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $28,868 | 15.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panel system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 West Windsor, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Windsor?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in West Windsor?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in West Windsor?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of 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 buy 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.