Solar Panel Cost Guide in Orleans, MA (2023 Update)
- Orleans Solar Installation Cost: $8,479
- 25-Year Savings: $17,624
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Orleans
See how much it might cost to go solar in Orleans.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Orleans it's 2.94 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 4.1-kW system would cost about $8,479 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. Despite the high upfront cost, the average Orleans homeowner can save about $24,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in Orleans for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Orleans
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,435 |
| 3 years | $-5,347 |
| 5 years | $-3,258 |
| 7 years | $-1,170 |
| 9 years | $918 |
| 11 years | $3,006 |
| 13 years | $5,095 |
| 15 years | $7,183 |
| 17 years | $9,271 |
| 19 years | $11,360 |
| 21 years | $13,448 |
| 23 years | $15,536 |
| 25 years | $17,624 |
Top Solar Installers in Orleans
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a stressful task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Orleans
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Orleans
There are many factors that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 will be looking at 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 increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable option because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's important to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $25,148 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $33,860 | 8.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $42,737 | 8.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $51,778 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $60,984 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $70,355 | 7.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $79,890 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $89,590 | 7.3 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. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Orleans, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Orleans?
The average cost of solar panels in Orleans 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 model 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 a very important 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 trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Orleans?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 level 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.