Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bayonne, NJ (2024 Update)
- Bayonne Solar Installation Cost: $11,370
- 25-Year Savings: $8,928
- Payback Period: 15.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bayonne
We go over average solar pricing in Bayonne.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bayonne it’s 4 per watt.The average Bayonne homeowner needs a 4.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,370 with the federal tax credit, or $16,259 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Bayonne 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.With average savings of about $15,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Bayonne find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Bayonne for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Bayonne
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,948 |
| 3 years | $-7,103 |
| 5 years | $-4,258 |
| 7 years | $-1,414 |
| 9 years | $1,431 |
| 11 years | $4,276 |
| 13 years | $7,120 |
| 15 years | $9,965 |
| 17 years | $12,810 |
| 19 years | $15,655 |
| 21 years | $18,499 |
| 23 years | $21,344 |
| 25 years | $24,189 |
Top Solar Installers in Bayonne
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since installing solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Bayonne, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Bayonne
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bayonne
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Bayonne is $11,370, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider 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
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable 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.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Bayonne, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $7,856 | 16.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $10,871 | 16.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $14,082 | 15.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $17,492 | 15.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $21,099 | 15.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $24,904 | 15.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $28,906 | 14.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $33,107 | 14.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Bayonne, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bayonne?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Bayonne?
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.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a great 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 pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires 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 home 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.