Solar Panel Cost Guide in Scituate, MA (Mar 2023)
- Scituate Solar Installation Cost: $8,520
- 25-Year Savings: $17,271
- Payback Period: 8.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Scituate
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Scituate.
The average cost of a solar system in Scituate is 2.94 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Scituate, most homeowners require a 4.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $8,520, or $12,184 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Scituate homeowner. 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. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $24,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Scituate, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Scituate
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,488 |
| 3 years | $-5,425 |
| 5 years | $-3,362 |
| 7 years | $-1,299 |
| 9 years | $765 |
| 11 years | $2,828 |
| 13 years | $4,891 |
| 15 years | $6,954 |
| 17 years | $9,018 |
| 19 years | $11,081 |
| 21 years | $13,144 |
| 23 years | $15,208 |
| 25 years | $17,271 |
Top Solar Installers in Scituate
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and handiness. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your family.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Scituate:
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 Scituate
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Scituate
For many Scituate homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Scituate, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Scituate, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,940 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Scituate to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may notice 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 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 | $3.06 | $12,842 | $24,554 | 8.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $33,068 | 8.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $41,747 | 8.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $50,590 | 8.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $59,598 | 7.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $68,770 | 7.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $78,108 | 7.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $87,609 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Scituate, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the durability of your solar energy system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Scituate, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Scituate?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Scituate?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably 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."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.