Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Scituate, MA (2024 Update)
- North Scituate Solar Installation Cost: $11,760
- 25-Year Savings: $17,044
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Scituate
Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in North Scituate.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in North Scituate it’s 4 per watt.The average North Scituate homeowner needs a 4.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,760 with the federal tax credit, or $16,817 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in North Scituate see about $23,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in North Scituate
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,037 |
| 3 years | $-6,590 |
| 5 years | $-3,143 |
| 7 years | $304 |
| 9 years | $3,751 |
| 11 years | $7,198 |
| 13 years | $10,644 |
| 15 years | $14,091 |
| 17 years | $17,538 |
| 19 years | $20,985 |
| 21 years | $24,432 |
| 23 years | $27,879 |
| 25 years | $31,326 |
Top Solar Installers in North Scituate
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 North Scituate
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Scituate
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 North Scituate: 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
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in North Scituate, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.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. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the North Scituate average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many North Scituate homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can affect the cost. North Scituate’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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 | $19,326 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $26,223 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $33,347 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $40,699 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $48,278 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $56,084 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $64,117 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $72,378 | 10.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
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 North Scituate, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in North Scituate?
The average cost of solar panels in North Scituate 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 larger 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.