Solar Panel Cost Guide in Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA (2024 Update)
- Manchester-by-the-Sea Solar Installation Cost: $12,074
- 25-Year Savings: $17,181
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Manchester-by-the-Sea
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Manchester-by-the-Sea.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Manchester-by-the-Sea is 4 per watt.Because a 4.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Manchester-by-the-Sea, the average price of going solar will be about $12,074 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Manchester-by-the-Sea see about $23,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Manchester-by-the-Sea
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,351 |
| 3 years | $-6,904 |
| 5 years | $-3,457 |
| 7 years | $-10 |
| 9 years | $3,437 |
| 11 years | $6,884 |
| 13 years | $10,331 |
| 15 years | $13,777 |
| 17 years | $17,224 |
| 19 years | $20,671 |
| 21 years | $24,118 |
| 23 years | $27,565 |
| 25 years | $31,012 |
Top Solar Installers in Manchester-by-the-Sea
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a challenging project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
There are a number of 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 Manchester-by-the-Sea
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Manchester-by-the-Sea
There are several factors that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease 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. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Manchester-by-the-Sea, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Manchester-by-the-Sea, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Manchester-by-the-Sea are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $18,878 | 12.1 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $25,626 | 11.9 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $32,600 | 11.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $39,802 | 11.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $47,232 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $54,889 | 10.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $62,773 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $70,885 | 10.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
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 Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Manchester-by-the-Sea?
The average cost of solar panels in Manchester-by-the-Sea 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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Manchester-by-the-Sea?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically 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 maximize your savings.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
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 how much 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 get 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.