Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rutland, MA (2023 Update)
- Rutland Solar Installation Cost: $9,215
- 25-Year Savings: $16,709
- Payback Period: 8.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rutland
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Rutland.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Rutland, the average cost of solar panels is 2.94 per watt. Because a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Rutland, the average price of going solar will be about $9,220 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Rutland depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Rutland that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Rutland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,492 |
| 3 years | $-4,045 |
| 5 years | $-598 |
| 7 years | $2,849 |
| 9 years | $6,296 |
| 11 years | $9,742 |
| 13 years | $13,189 |
| 15 years | $16,636 |
| 17 years | $20,083 |
| 19 years | $23,530 |
| 21 years | $26,977 |
| 23 years | $30,424 |
| 25 years | $33,871 |
Top Solar Installers in Rutland
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Rutland, therefore optimizing your ROI.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Rutland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rutland
Though the average cost of a solar system in Rutland is $9,220, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,940 per kilowatt in Rutland. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment 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 reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's important to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can affect the cost. Rutland's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Rutland are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about 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 | $3.06 | $12,842 | $21,895 | 9.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $29,523 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $37,315 | 8.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $45,272 | 8.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $53,393 | 8.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $61,680 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $70,130 | 8.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $78,746 | 8.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
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 Rutland, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rutland?
The average cost of solar panels in Rutland is about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Rutland?
A solar panel system isn't free in Rutland, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose 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 a solar system."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 get 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.