Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plymouth, MA (2024 Update)

  • Plymouth Solar Installation Cost: $11,760
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,587
  • Payback Period: 11.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Plymouth

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Plymouth.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Plymouth it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.1-kW system would cost about $11,760 before the 0 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 will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Plymouth can save around $24,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Plymouth

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,159
3 years $-6,956
5 years $-3,754
7 years $-551
9 years $2,652
11 years $5,854
13 years $9,057
15 years $12,259
17 years $15,462
19 years $18,665
21 years $21,867
23 years $25,070
25 years $28,273

Top Solar Installers in Plymouth

Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra effort and knowledge. That's one of the reasons most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Plymouth, optimizing your ROI.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Plymouth

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plymouth

For many Plymouth homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Plymouth, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,060.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Plymouth, 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 more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route 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.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Plymouth, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 $4.22 $17,734 $20,115 11.7 years
8 kW $4.14 $23,191 $27,274 11.5 years
10 kW $4.06 $28,420 $34,661 11.3 years
12 kW $3.98 $33,422 $42,275 11.0 years
14 kW $3.90 $38,196 $50,117 10.8 years
16 kW $3.82 $42,744 $58,186 10.6 years
18 kW $3.74 $47,064 $66,482 10.4 years
20 kW $3.65 $51,156 $75,006 10.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Plymouth, MA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Plymouth?

The average cost of solar panels in Plymouth 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 stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Plymouth?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.

Is switching to solar power worth it?

Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.

How long do solar panels last in Plymouth?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.

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