Solar Panel Cost Guide in East Harwich, MA (2024 Update)
- East Harwich 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 East Harwich
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in East Harwich.
In East Harwich, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in East Harwich is around 4.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,716 for a solar installation, or $16,754 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average East Harwich homeowner. 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 significant initial cost, the average East Harwich homeowner can save around $24,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar company in East Harwich, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in East Harwich
| 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 East Harwich
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra effort and know-how. Because of that, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’re not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 East Harwich
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East Harwich
Though the average cost of a solar system in East Harwich is $11,716, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $4,060 per kilowatt in East Harwich.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions 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
Most solar companies in East Harwich offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you pick will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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
The solar installer you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
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 East Harwich, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in East Harwich?
The average cost of solar panels in East Harwich is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in East Harwich?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.