Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dover, MA (2023 Update)
- Dover Solar Installation Cost: $9,076
- 25-Year Savings: $16,266
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dover
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Dover.
In Dover, solar panels cost about 2.94 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Dover is around 4.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,076 for a solar installation, or $12,979 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $22,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Dover find going solar has a decent ROI.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dover
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,062 |
| 3 years | $-6,035 |
| 5 years | $-4,007 |
| 7 years | $-1,980 |
| 9 years | $47 |
| 11 years | $2,075 |
| 13 years | $4,102 |
| 15 years | $6,130 |
| 17 years | $8,157 |
| 19 years | $10,184 |
| 21 years | $12,212 |
| 23 years | $14,239 |
| 25 years | $16,266 |
Top Solar Installers in Dover
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra time and expertise. Because of that, most people choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar power, going with a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate 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 Dover
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dover
There are a number of criteria that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, 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 about $2,940. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Dover to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Dover, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $21,648 | 9.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $29,193 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $36,903 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $44,777 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $52,816 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $61,020 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $69,388 | 8.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $77,921 | 8.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable 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 previous customers.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Dover, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dover?
The average cost of solar panels in Dover 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Dover?
You can't get solar panels for free in Dover. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,149.65 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 buy 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.