Solar Panel Cost Guide in Falmouth, MA (2023 Update)
- Falmouth Solar Installation Cost: $8,479
- 25-Year Savings: $17,624
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Falmouth
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Falmouth.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Falmouth it's 2.94 per watt. The average Falmouth 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 Falmouth 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. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Falmouth can save about $24,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Falmouth
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,435 |
| 3 years | $-5,347 |
| 5 years | $-3,258 |
| 7 years | $-1,170 |
| 9 years | $918 |
| 11 years | $3,006 |
| 13 years | $5,095 |
| 15 years | $7,183 |
| 17 years | $9,271 |
| 19 years | $11,360 |
| 21 years | $13,448 |
| 23 years | $15,536 |
| 25 years | $17,624 |
Top Solar Installers in Falmouth
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra effort and handiness. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your family.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Falmouth:
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 Falmouth
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Falmouth
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Falmouth: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,940 per kilowatt in Falmouth. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits 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
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
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 Falmouth, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Falmouth?
The average cost of solar panels in Falmouth is about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind 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 Falmouth?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Falmouth is currently $448,376, which means you can look forward to a value of about $18,383 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Falmouth is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.