Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bridgewater Town, MA (Aug 2022)
- Bridgewater Town Solar Installation Cost: $9,007
- 25-Year Savings: $15,628
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Updated 7/19/2022
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bridgewater Town
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Bridgewater Town.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bridgewater Town it's $3 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 4.1 would cost about $9,007 before the federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Bridgewater Town homeowners see about $23,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a top solar installer in Bridgewater Town, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bridgewater Town
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,022 |
| 3 years | $-6,051 |
| 5 years | $-4,080 |
| 7 years | $-2,109 |
| 9 years | $-138 |
| 11 years | $1,832 |
| 13 years | $3,803 |
| 15 years | $5,774 |
| 17 years | $7,745 |
| 19 years | $9,715 |
| 21 years | $11,686 |
| 23 years | $13,657 |
| 25 years | $15,628 |
Top Solar Installers in Bridgewater Town
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar panel installer can make going solar much easier. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Bridgewater Town, optimizing your ROI.
If you're looking for a solar company in Bridgewater Town, we've 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 Technology
The Green Panel
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Bridgewater Town
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bridgewater Town
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 Size
The size of the solar energy system you need is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,940. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Bridgewater Town, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Bridgewater Town to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can impact your pricing. Bridgewater Town's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to 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 | $3.06 | $13,576 | $22,144 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $17,753 | $29,873 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $21,756 | $37,777 | 9.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $25,585 | $45,854 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $29,240 | $54,105 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $32,721 | $62,531 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $36,028 | $71,131 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $39,161 | $79,904 | 8.2 years |
Solar Incentives in Bridgewater Town
| Name | Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) Program |
| Incentive Amount | (Base compensation rate + compensation rate adders - greenfield subtractor) * total kWh generated - value of energy generated |
| Incentive Max | The ceiling price for the competitive procurement to determine the base compensation rate was $0.17/kWh. For systems 25 kW or less, the combination of a base compensation rate and adder may not exceed the base compensation rate for low-income projects less than or equal to 25 kW. |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | ITC |
| Type | Tax Incentive |
| Incentive Amount | 26% of installation cost |
| Website | Visit here |
| Name | Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SREC-II) |
| Incentive Amount | Varies, depending on market supply and demand |
| Incentive Max | 2017 compliance year: Alternative Compliance Payment Rate is $350 per MWh (~$0.35 per kWh) |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Renewable Energy Property Tax Exemption |
| Incentive Amount | 100% exemption for 20 years |
| Incentive Max | Not specified |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Residential Renewable Energy Income Tax Credit |
| Incentive Amount | 15% |
| Incentive Max | $1,000 |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Mass Solar Loan Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Local Option - Energy Revolving Loan Fund |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Alternative Energy and Energy Conservation Patent Income Tax Deduction (Personal) |
| Incentive Amount | 100% deduction |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant - Residential PV Rebate Program |
| Incentive Amount | $0.60/W |
| Incentive Max | $4,500 |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Reading Municipal Light Department - Residential Renewable Energy Rebates |
| Incentive Amount | MLP Solar Rebate Program: $1.20 per watt Residential Renewable Energy Rebate Program: $1.00 per watt |
| Incentive Max | MLP Solar Rebate Program: 50% of cost or $30,000, whichever is less Residential Renewable Energy Rebate Program: $2,000 |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Renewable Energy Equipment Sales Tax Exemption |
| Incentive Amount | 100% exemption |
| Incentive Max | None |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably influence your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality 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 Technology
The Green Panel
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Bridgewater Town, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bridgewater Town?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 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 higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Bridgewater Town?
Solar panels aren't free in Bridgewater Town, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in Bridgewater Town?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had 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.
