Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dartmouth, MA (2023 Update)
- Dartmouth Solar Installation Cost: $8,911
- 25-Year Savings: $17,121
- Payback Period: 8.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dartmouth
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Dartmouth.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Dartmouth, the average cost of a solar system is 2.94 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Dartmouth is around 4.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $8,911 for a solar installation, or $12,743 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. Despite the high upfront cost, the average Dartmouth homeowner can save about $23,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dartmouth
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,870 |
| 3 years | $-5,787 |
| 5 years | $-3,705 |
| 7 years | $-1,622 |
| 9 years | $460 |
| 11 years | $2,543 |
| 13 years | $4,625 |
| 15 years | $6,708 |
| 17 years | $8,790 |
| 19 years | $10,873 |
| 21 years | $12,956 |
| 23 years | $15,038 |
| 25 years | $17,121 |
Top Solar Installers in Dartmouth
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels 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 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 biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Dartmouth, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's important to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Dartmouth, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to 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 | $3.06 | $12,842 | $23,241 | 8.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $31,317 | 8.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $39,558 | 8.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $47,963 | 8.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $56,533 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $65,268 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $74,167 | 7.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $83,231 | 7.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.
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 Dartmouth, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Dartmouth?
The average cost of solar panels in Dartmouth 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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Dartmouth?
Solar panels aren't free in Dartmouth, 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.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Dartmouth, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Dartmouth?
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 larger amount 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.