Solar Panel Cost Guide in Buzzards Bay, MA (2023 Update)
- Buzzards Bay Solar Installation Cost: $8,484
- 25-Year Savings: $17,619
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Buzzards Bay
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Buzzards Bay.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Buzzards Bay it's 2.94 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Buzzards Bay, most homeowners require a 4.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $8,479, or $12,125 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $24,000 over 20 years on power bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Buzzards Bay for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Buzzards Bay
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,883 |
| 3 years | $-3,680 |
| 5 years | $-478 |
| 7 years | $2,725 |
| 9 years | $5,927 |
| 11 years | $9,130 |
| 13 years | $12,333 |
| 15 years | $15,535 |
| 17 years | $18,738 |
| 19 years | $21,941 |
| 21 years | $25,143 |
| 23 years | $28,346 |
| 25 years | $31,548 |
Top Solar Installers in Buzzards Bay
Installing solar panels on your own can be a dangerous project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your family.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Buzzards Bay
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Buzzards Bay
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Buzzards Bay: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,940 per kilowatt in Buzzards Bay. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Buzzards Bay have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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 getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can influence the cost. Buzzards Bay's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $12,842 | $25,148 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $33,860 | 8.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $42,737 | 8.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $51,778 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $60,984 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $70,355 | 7.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $79,890 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $89,590 | 7.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound 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 good reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Buzzards Bay, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Buzzards Bay?
The average cost of solar panels in Buzzards Bay is about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Buzzards Bay?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get 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 savings from going solar.
Does Buzzards Bay have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.