Solar Panel Cost Guide in Belleville, NJ (2024 Update)
- Belleville Solar Installation Cost: $11,692
- 25-Year Savings: $8,676
- Payback Period: 16.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Belleville
We go over average solar pricing in Belleville.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Belleville generally cost about 4.Since a 4.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Belleville, the average price of going solar will be about $11,692 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Belleville homeowner. 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.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite rewarding, 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 top solar installer in Belleville for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Belleville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,270 |
| 3 years | $-7,425 |
| 5 years | $-4,580 |
| 7 years | $-1,735 |
| 9 years | $1,109 |
| 11 years | $3,954 |
| 13 years | $6,799 |
| 15 years | $9,644 |
| 17 years | $12,488 |
| 19 years | $15,333 |
| 21 years | $18,178 |
| 23 years | $21,022 |
| 25 years | $23,867 |
Top Solar Installers in Belleville
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels on your own can be challenging. The expertise that solar installers provide can be invaluable as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're searching for a solar company in Belleville, the EcoWatch team has put together 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 Belleville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Belleville
There are many criteria that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation 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.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Belleville average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Belleville is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $7,216 | 17.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $10,017 | 16.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $13,015 | 16.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $16,211 | 16.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $19,605 | 15.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $23,196 | 15.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $26,985 | 15.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $30,972 | 14.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
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 Belleville, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Belleville?
This is a difficult 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Belleville?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Belleville. 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 rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Belleville?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Belleville?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.