Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fairhaven, MA (2024 Update)
- Fairhaven Solar Installation Cost: $12,302
- 25-Year Savings: $17,195
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fairhaven
We go over average solar pricing in Fairhaven.
In Fairhaven, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Fairhaven homeowner needs a 4.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,302 with the federal tax credit, or $17,592 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Fairhaven based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $23,000 over 20 years on power bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Fairhaven for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Fairhaven
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,701 |
| 3 years | $-7,498 |
| 5 years | $-4,295 |
| 7 years | $-1,093 |
| 9 years | $2,110 |
| 11 years | $5,312 |
| 13 years | $8,515 |
| 15 years | $11,718 |
| 17 years | $14,920 |
| 19 years | $18,123 |
| 21 years | $21,325 |
| 23 years | $24,528 |
| 25 years | $27,731 |
Top Solar Installers in Fairhaven
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra effort and knowledge. That's why most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Fairhaven
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fairhaven
The cost of installing a solar system in Fairhaven can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Fairhaven offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Fairhaven, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more 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 down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $18,448 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $25,052 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $31,883 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $38,942 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $46,228 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $53,741 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $61,482 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $69,450 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Fairhaven, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fairhaven?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Fairhaven?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though 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 how much 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.