Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chatham, MA (2024 Update)
- Chatham Solar Installation Cost: $11,716
- 25-Year Savings: $17,619
- Payback Period: 11.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chatham
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Chatham.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Chatham it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.1-kW system would cost about $11,716 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Chatham depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $24,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Chatham that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Chatham
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,115 |
| 3 years | $-6,913 |
| 5 years | $-3,710 |
| 7 years | $-507 |
| 9 years | $2,695 |
| 11 years | $5,898 |
| 13 years | $9,101 |
| 15 years | $12,303 |
| 17 years | $15,506 |
| 19 years | $18,708 |
| 21 years | $21,911 |
| 23 years | $25,114 |
| 25 years | $28,316 |
Top Solar Installers in Chatham
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers provide can be useful as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
See all of the solar companies in Chatham
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chatham
For many Chatham homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Chatham, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about 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
Most solar companies in Chatham have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Chatham is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, 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 | $4.22 | $17,734 | $20,256 | 11.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $27,463 | 11.4 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $34,897 | 11.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $42,558 | 11.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $50,447 | 10.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $58,563 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $66,907 | 10.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $75,478 | 10.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose greatly influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: A high-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: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
EcoWatch's Chatham, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Chatham?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Chatham?
Solar panels aren’t free in Chatham, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Chatham, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level 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.