Solar Panel Cost Guide in Scituate, RI (2023 Update)
- Scituate Solar Installation Cost: $8,276
- 25-Year Savings: $13,671
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Scituate
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Scituate.
In Scituate, solar panels cost about 2.84 per watt on average. The average Scituate homeowner needs a 4.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $8,270 with the federal tax credit, or $11,826 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Scituate depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. With average savings of about $20,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Scituate find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Scituate for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Scituate
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,203 |
| 3 years | $-8,056 |
| 5 years | $-7,910 |
| 7 years | $-7,764 |
| 9 years | $-7,617 |
| 11 years | $-7,471 |
| 13 years | $-7,325 |
| 15 years | $-7,178 |
| 17 years | $-7,032 |
| 19 years | $-6,886 |
| 21 years | $-6,739 |
| 23 years | $-6,593 |
| 25 years | $-6,447 |
Top Solar Installers in Scituate
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
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 several factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,840. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Scituate offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Scituate, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $2.95 | $12,405 | $19,227 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $25,954 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $32,840 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $39,885 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $47,090 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $54,453 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $61,975 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $69,657 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Scituate, RI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Scituate?
The average cost of solar panels in Scituate is about $14,200 for a 5-kW system and $28,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Scituate?
You can't get solar panels for free in Scituate. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for 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 long do solar panels last in Scituate?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.