Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rockport, MA (2023 Update)
- Rockport Solar Installation Cost: $8,746
- 25-Year Savings: $17,178
- Payback Period: 8.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rockport
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Rockport.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Rockport it's 2.94 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 4.2-kW system would cost about $8,746 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Rockport homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $23,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Rockport find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rockport
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,710 |
| 3 years | $-5,636 |
| 5 years | $-3,562 |
| 7 years | $-1,488 |
| 9 years | $586 |
| 11 years | $2,660 |
| 13 years | $4,734 |
| 15 years | $6,808 |
| 17 years | $8,882 |
| 19 years | $10,956 |
| 21 years | $13,030 |
| 23 years | $15,104 |
| 25 years | $17,178 |
Top Solar Installers in Rockport
When going solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Another advantage of working with a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Rockport
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rockport
There are several factors that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's important to accurately ascertain 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 limited roof space 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. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Rockport homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Rockport, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $23,770 | 8.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $32,023 | 8.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $40,440 | 8.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $49,022 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $57,769 | 8.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $66,680 | 7.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $75,756 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $84,997 | 7.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will affect 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 some important things you should take into account, such as:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Rockport, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rockport?
The average cost of solar panels in Rockport 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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial 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 think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Rockport?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Rockport?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.