Solar Panel Cost Guide in Guttenberg, NJ (2024 Update)
- Guttenberg 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 Guttenberg
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Guttenberg.
In Guttenberg, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 4.6-kW system would cost about $11,370 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $15,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Guttenberg find going solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Guttenberg for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Guttenberg
| 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 Guttenberg
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installer since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Guttenberg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Guttenberg
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Guttenberg is $11,370, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,530. The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond 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’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Guttenberg homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Guttenberg homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Guttenberg is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Guttenberg, 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Guttenberg, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Guttenberg?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Guttenberg?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Guttenberg?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.