Solar Panel Cost Guide in Harwich, MA (2024 Update)
- 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 Harwich
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Harwich.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Harwich typically cost about 4.Because a 4.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Harwich, the average price of going solar will be about $11,716 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Harwich homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the high initial cost, the average Harwich homeowner can save about $24,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in Harwich for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in 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 Harwich
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a challenging undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over time.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Harwich
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Harwich
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Harwich: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy 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 Harwich.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, 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 researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Harwich to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.It’s wise to include 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 off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Harwich, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $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 company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
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 Harwich, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Harwich?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Harwich?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Harwich?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.