Solar Panel Cost Guide in East Harwich, MA (2023 Update)

  • East Harwich Solar Installation Cost: $8,484
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,619
  • Payback Period: 8.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in East Harwich

We break down average solar pricing in East Harwich.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in East Harwich, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.94 per watt. The average East Harwich homeowner needs a 4.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $8,479 with the federal tax credit, or $12,125 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of East Harwich 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. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average East Harwich homeowners see about $24,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in East Harwich

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-8,397
3 years $-8,223
5 years $-8,049
7 years $-7,875
9 years $-7,701
11 years $-7,527
13 years $-7,353
15 years $-7,179
17 years $-7,005
19 years $-6,831
21 years $-6,657
23 years $-6,483
25 years $-6,309

Top Solar Installers in East Harwich

Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for you.

If you're looking for a solar company in East Harwich, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 $8,479, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,940. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the East Harwich average.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in East Harwich have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for East Harwich homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installation company you select will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.

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 $25,148 8.5 years
8 kW $3.00 $16,793 $33,860 8.3 years
10 kW $2.94 $20,580 $42,737 8.1 years
12 kW $2.88 $24,202 $51,778 8.0 years
14 kW $2.82 $27,660 $60,984 7.8 years
16 kW $2.76 $30,952 $70,355 7.6 years
18 kW $2.70 $34,080 $79,890 7.5 years
20 kW $2.65 $37,044 $89,590 7.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar panel company you opt for 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 several important things you should keep in mind, such as:

  • Warranty: If you're concerned about the durability of your solar panels, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before making your decision.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in East Harwich?

The average cost of solar panels in East Harwich 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 like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Should I 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 downside 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 option if you want to get the most savings.

How will having solar panels impact my property value?

Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in East Harwich is currently $383,100, so you could be looking at a value of about $15,707 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in East Harwich is a rewarding investment.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 install 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.

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