Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rockland, MA (Mar 2023)
- Rockland Solar Installation Cost: $8,520
- 25-Year Savings: $16,677
- Payback Period: 8.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rockland
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in Rockland.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Rockland it's 2.94 per watt. Because a 4.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Rockland, the average price of going solar will be about $8,520 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Rockland can save about $23,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Rockland, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rockland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,512 |
| 3 years | $-5,496 |
| 5 years | $-3,481 |
| 7 years | $-1,465 |
| 9 years | $551 |
| 11 years | $2,567 |
| 13 years | $4,582 |
| 15 years | $6,598 |
| 17 years | $8,614 |
| 19 years | $10,630 |
| 21 years | $12,645 |
| 23 years | $14,661 |
| 25 years | $16,677 |
Top Solar Installers in Rockland
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installer since handling can be a difficult project. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your family.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Rockland, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Rockland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rockland
For many Rockland homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Rockland, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,940. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Rockland, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining your pricing. Rockland's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Rockland know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 | $23,693 | 8.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $31,920 | 8.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $40,311 | 8.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $48,867 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $57,588 | 8.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $66,474 | 7.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $75,524 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $84,738 | 7.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
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 Rockland, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rockland?
The average cost of solar panels in Rockland 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Rockland?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home 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 financial benefits from going solar.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,217.82 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.