Solar Panel Cost Guide in Buzzards Bay, MA (Mar 2023)
- Buzzards Bay Solar Installation Cost: $8,479
- 25-Year Savings: $17,624
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Buzzards Bay
See how much it might cost to install solar panels 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. Using this figure, a typical 4.1-kW system would cost about $8,479 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Buzzards Bay depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Buzzards Bay can save about $24,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Buzzards Bay
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,435 |
| 3 years | $-5,347 |
| 5 years | $-3,258 |
| 7 years | $-1,170 |
| 9 years | $918 |
| 11 years | $3,006 |
| 13 years | $5,095 |
| 15 years | $7,183 |
| 17 years | $9,271 |
| 19 years | $11,360 |
| 21 years | $13,448 |
| 23 years | $15,536 |
| 25 years | $17,624 |
Top Solar Installers in Buzzards Bay
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies provide can be invaluable as well, especially if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels 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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Buzzards Bay
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Buzzards Bay
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Buzzards Bay: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Buzzards Bay, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,940 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Buzzards Bay, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Buzzards Bay homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's crucial to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Buzzards Bay is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure 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.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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
Tesla Energy
- 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 Buzzards Bay, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install 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 certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of 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?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.