Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fall River, MA (2024 Update)
- Fall River Solar Installation Cost: $12,302
- 25-Year Savings: $17,076
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fall River
We break down average solar pricing in Fall River.
The average cost of solar panels in Fall River is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.3-kW system would cost about $12,302 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Fall River depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Fall River can save around $23,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fall River
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,579 |
| 3 years | $-7,132 |
| 5 years | $-3,685 |
| 7 years | $-238 |
| 9 years | $3,209 |
| 11 years | $6,656 |
| 13 years | $10,103 |
| 15 years | $13,550 |
| 17 years | $16,996 |
| 19 years | $20,443 |
| 21 years | $23,890 |
| 23 years | $27,337 |
| 25 years | $30,784 |
Top Solar Installers in Fall River
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra energy and knowledge. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Fall River, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Fall River
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fall River
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Fall River: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Fall River homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Fall River, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $18,282 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $24,831 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $31,608 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $38,611 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $45,842 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $53,300 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $60,986 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $68,899 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
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 Fall River, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fall River?
The average cost of solar panels in Fall River 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 stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Fall River?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Fall River is currently $391,209, which means you could be looking at a value of about $16,040 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Fall River is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.