Solar Panel Cost Guide in Southampton, MA (2024 Update)
- Southampton Solar Installation Cost: $12,815
- 25-Year Savings: $13,457
- Payback Period: 14.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Southampton
We go over average solar pricing in Southampton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Southampton it’s 4 per watt.The average Southampton homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,815 with the federal tax credit, or $18,325 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Southampton see about $19,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Southampton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,843 |
| 3 years | $-9,898 |
| 5 years | $-7,953 |
| 7 years | $-6,008 |
| 9 years | $-4,064 |
| 11 years | $-2,119 |
| 13 years | $-174 |
| 15 years | $1,771 |
| 17 years | $3,716 |
| 19 years | $5,661 |
| 21 years | $7,605 |
| 23 years | $9,550 |
| 25 years | $11,495 |
Top Solar Installers in Southampton
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Southampton, thereby optimizing your ROI.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Southampton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Southampton
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Southampton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
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 let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Southampton is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Additionally, some companies in Southampton are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $4.22 | $17,734 | $12,519 | 14.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $17,146 | 14.4 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $22,001 | 14.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $27,084 | 13.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $32,394 | 13.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $37,931 | 13.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $43,695 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $49,687 | 12.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- 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: The type of solar panel you’d like plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Southampton, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Southampton?
The average cost of solar panels in Southampton is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 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 consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Southampton?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property 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.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Southampton?
Even 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had 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.