Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wareham, MA (2024 Update)
- Wareham Solar Installation Cost: $11,760
- 25-Year Savings: $17,145
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wareham
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Wareham.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Wareham it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Wareham, most homeowners require a 4.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,760, or $16,817 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.With average savings of about $24,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Wareham find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Wareham for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Wareham
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,159 |
| 3 years | $-6,956 |
| 5 years | $-3,754 |
| 7 years | $-551 |
| 9 years | $2,652 |
| 11 years | $5,854 |
| 13 years | $9,057 |
| 15 years | $12,259 |
| 17 years | $15,462 |
| 19 years | $18,665 |
| 21 years | $21,867 |
| 23 years | $25,070 |
| 25 years | $28,273 |
Top Solar Installers in Wareham
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be challenging. Plus, if you aren’t sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Wareham:
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 Wareham
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wareham
For many Wareham homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Wareham, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation require 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 $4,060.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Wareham, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Wareham homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can influence the cost. Wareham’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $19,474 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $26,420 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $33,593 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $40,994 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $48,622 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $56,478 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $64,560 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $72,871 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Wareham, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Wareham?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 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 above-average energy consumption. Conversely, 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 Wareham?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 maximize your savings.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Wareham is currently $435,712, which means you can expect a value of about $17,864 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Wareham is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.