Solar Panel Cost Guide in Scituate, MA (2023 Update)
- Scituate Solar Installation Cost: $8,516
- 25-Year Savings: $17,275
- Payback Period: 8.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Scituate
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Scituate.
In Scituate, solar panels cost about 2.94 per watt on average. Because a 4.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Scituate, the average price of going solar will be about $8,520 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on your energy needs and what company you go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $24,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in Scituate, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Scituate
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,793 |
| 3 years | $-3,346 |
| 5 years | $101 |
| 7 years | $3,548 |
| 9 years | $6,995 |
| 11 years | $10,442 |
| 13 years | $13,889 |
| 15 years | $17,335 |
| 17 years | $20,782 |
| 19 years | $24,229 |
| 21 years | $27,676 |
| 23 years | $31,123 |
| 25 years | $34,570 |
Top Solar Installers in Scituate
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. The expertise that solar companies offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Scituate, we've organized 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
See all of the solar companies in Scituate
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Scituate
While the average cost of a solar system in Scituate is $8,520, your final cost may be above or below the average. 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
The cost of solar panel systems 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 better efficiency or power production need 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 $2,940. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Scituate, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Scituate to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will influence your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Scituate are more knowledgeable 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 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 | $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
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Scituate, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Scituate?
The average cost of solar panels in Scituate 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 stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Scituate?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often 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 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 beneficial 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 reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to 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.