Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oak Bluffs, MA (2024 Update)
- Oak Bluffs Solar Installation Cost: $11,587
- 25-Year Savings: $17,712
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oak Bluffs
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Oak Bluffs.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Oak Bluffs, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average Oak Bluffs homeowner needs a 4.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,587 with the federal tax credit, or $16,569 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $24,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Oak Bluffs
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,986 |
| 3 years | $-6,783 |
| 5 years | $-3,581 |
| 7 years | $-378 |
| 9 years | $2,824 |
| 11 years | $6,027 |
| 13 years | $9,230 |
| 15 years | $12,432 |
| 17 years | $15,635 |
| 19 years | $18,838 |
| 21 years | $22,040 |
| 23 years | $25,243 |
| 25 years | $28,445 |
Top Solar Installers in Oak Bluffs
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over time.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Oak Bluffs
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oak Bluffs
Although the average cost of a solar system in Oak Bluffs is $11,587, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $4,060 per kilowatt in Oak Bluffs.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Oak Bluffs have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Oak Bluffs homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Oak Bluffs know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $20,679 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $28,027 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $35,602 | 11.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $43,405 | 10.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $51,435 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $59,692 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $68,176 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $76,888 | 10.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Oak Bluffs, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Oak Bluffs?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Oak Bluffs?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly 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 many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.