Solar Panel Cost Guide in Norfolk, MA (2023 Update)
- Norfolk Solar Installation Cost: $9,073
- 25-Year Savings: $16,941
- Payback Period: 8.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Norfolk
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Norfolk.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Norfolk typically cost around 2.94. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Norfolk, most homeowners require a 4.4-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $9,076, or $12,979 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Norfolk homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Norfolk can save about $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Norfolk for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Norfolk
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,986 |
| 3 years | $-8,813 |
| 5 years | $-8,639 |
| 7 years | $-8,466 |
| 9 years | $-8,293 |
| 11 years | $-8,119 |
| 13 years | $-7,946 |
| 15 years | $-7,772 |
| 17 years | $-7,599 |
| 19 years | $-7,426 |
| 21 years | $-7,252 |
| 23 years | $-7,079 |
| 25 years | $-6,905 |
Top Solar Installers in Norfolk
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Norfolk:
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 Norfolk
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Norfolk
For many Norfolk homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Norfolk, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,940 per kilowatt in Norfolk. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Norfolk, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Norfolk provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Norfolk homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Norfolk, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 find a company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is 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 | $22,562 | 9.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $30,411 | 8.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $38,426 | 8.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $46,605 | 8.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $54,949 | 8.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $63,457 | 8.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $72,130 | 8.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $80,968 | 7.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar 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 difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 Norfolk, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Norfolk?
The average cost of solar panels in Norfolk 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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly 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."
How long do solar panels last in Norfolk?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.