Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Westport, MA (2023 Update)
- North Westport Solar Installation Cost: $8,908
- 25-Year Savings: $17,105
- Payback Period: 8.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Westport
We go over average solar pricing in North Westport.
In North Westport, solar panels cost about 2.94 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 4.3-kW system would cost about $8,911 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in North Westport based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $23,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar company in North Westport, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in North Westport
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,822 |
| 3 years | $-8,648 |
| 5 years | $-8,475 |
| 7 years | $-8,301 |
| 9 years | $-8,128 |
| 11 years | $-7,955 |
| 13 years | $-7,781 |
| 15 years | $-7,608 |
| 17 years | $-7,434 |
| 19 years | $-7,261 |
| 21 years | $-7,087 |
| 23 years | $-6,914 |
| 25 years | $-6,741 |
Top Solar Installers in North Westport
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to use a solar installer since handling can be a challenging project. Plus, if you aren't sure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost 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 North Westport
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Westport
There are several factors that can determine your 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
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in North Westport, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,940 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like North Westport, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in North Westport to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for North Westport homeowners, they can also raise 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
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in North Westport is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in North Westport have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $3.06 | $12,842 | $23,216 | 8.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $31,284 | 8.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $39,516 | 8.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $47,914 | 8.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $56,475 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $65,202 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $74,093 | 7.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $83,149 | 7.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
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 North Westport, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in North Westport?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in North Westport?
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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your property's value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go 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 solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in North Westport?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.