Solar Panel Cost Guide in Marblehead, MA (2023 Update)
- Marblehead Solar Installation Cost: $8,743
- 25-Year Savings: $16,792
- Payback Period: 8.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Marblehead
We go over average solar pricing in Marblehead.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Marblehead it's 2.94 per watt. The average Marblehead homeowner needs a 4.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $8,746 with the federal tax credit, or $12,507 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with. With typical savings of about $23,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Marblehead find installing solar panels can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in Marblehead for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Marblehead
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,658 |
| 3 years | $-8,488 |
| 5 years | $-8,318 |
| 7 years | $-8,147 |
| 9 years | $-7,977 |
| 11 years | $-7,807 |
| 13 years | $-7,637 |
| 15 years | $-7,467 |
| 17 years | $-7,296 |
| 19 years | $-7,126 |
| 21 years | $-6,956 |
| 23 years | $-6,786 |
| 25 years | $-6,615 |
Top Solar Installers in Marblehead
When going solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. The expertise that solar companies offer can be useful as well, especially if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Marblehead
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Marblehead
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Marblehead: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Marblehead average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Marblehead offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Marblehead is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $23,221 | 8.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $31,290 | 8.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $39,525 | 8.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $47,923 | 8.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $56,487 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $65,215 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $74,108 | 7.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $83,165 | 7.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
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 Marblehead, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Marblehead?
The average cost of solar panels in Marblehead 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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Marblehead?
Solar panels aren't free in Marblehead, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Marblehead?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know 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 house 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.