Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dartmouth, MA (2024 Update)
- Dartmouth Solar Installation Cost: $12,302
- 25-Year Savings: $17,123
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dartmouth
We go over average solar pricing in Dartmouth.
In Dartmouth, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Since a 4.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Dartmouth, the average price of going solar will be about $12,302 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Dartmouth homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Dartmouth homeowner can save around $23,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Dartmouth for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Dartmouth
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,640 |
| 3 years | $-7,315 |
| 5 years | $-3,990 |
| 7 years | $-665 |
| 9 years | $2,659 |
| 11 years | $5,984 |
| 13 years | $9,309 |
| 15 years | $12,634 |
| 17 years | $15,958 |
| 19 years | $19,283 |
| 21 years | $22,608 |
| 23 years | $25,933 |
| 25 years | $29,257 |
Top Solar Installers in Dartmouth
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another benefit of using a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your return of investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. 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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Dartmouth
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dartmouth
The cost of installing a solar system in Dartmouth can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
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 $4,060. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than 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 looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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 securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can affect the cost. Dartmouth’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $4.22 | $17,734 | $18,349 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $24,919 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $31,718 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $38,743 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $45,996 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $53,477 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $61,184 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $69,119 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Dartmouth, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like to get plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Dartmouth, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dartmouth?
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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Dartmouth?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t 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 property 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Dartmouth?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.