Solar Panel Cost Guide in New Bedford, MA (2024 Update)
- New Bedford Solar Installation Cost: $12,302
- 25-Year Savings: $17,165
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in New Bedford
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in New Bedford.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in New Bedford typically cost about 4.Since a 4.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in New Bedford, the average price of going solar will be about $12,302 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in New Bedford depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With typical savings of about $23,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in New Bedford find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in New Bedford for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in New Bedford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,683 |
| 3 years | $-7,446 |
| 5 years | $-4,208 |
| 7 years | $-971 |
| 9 years | $2,267 |
| 11 years | $5,504 |
| 13 years | $8,742 |
| 15 years | $11,979 |
| 17 years | $15,217 |
| 19 years | $18,454 |
| 21 years | $21,692 |
| 23 years | $24,929 |
| 25 years | $28,167 |
Top Solar Installers in New Bedford
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra energy and handiness. Because of that, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in New Bedford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in New Bedford
There are several criteria that can influence 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
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $4,060. The 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, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the New Bedford average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in New Bedford provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in New Bedford is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Additionally, some companies in New Bedford have more knowledge 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 | $18,406 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $24,997 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $31,814 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $38,859 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $46,131 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $53,631 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $61,358 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $69,312 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable 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 previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's New Bedford, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in New Bedford?
The average cost of solar panels in New Bedford 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in New Bedford?
Solar panels aren’t free in New Bedford, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in New Bedford, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in New Bedford?
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to 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.