Solar Panel Cost Guide in Scituate, RI (2024 Update)
- Scituate Solar Installation Cost: $11,860
- 25-Year Savings: $13,671
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Scituate
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Scituate.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Scituate, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average Scituate homeowner needs a 4.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,860 with the federal tax credit, or $16,960 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Scituate homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Scituate see about $20,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a top solar installation company in Scituate, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Scituate
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,329 |
| 3 years | $-7,267 |
| 5 years | $-4,205 |
| 7 years | $-1,143 |
| 9 years | $1,919 |
| 11 years | $4,981 |
| 13 years | $8,043 |
| 15 years | $11,105 |
| 17 years | $14,168 |
| 19 years | $17,230 |
| 21 years | $20,292 |
| 23 years | $23,354 |
| 25 years | $26,416 |
Top Solar Installers in Scituate
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra time and knowledge. That's why most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar contractor too, which can save you more money over time.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Scituate is $11,860, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $4,070. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. 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 researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Scituate homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Scituate homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Scituate is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.23 | $17,778 | $13,854 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $4.15 | $23,248 | $18,928 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $4.07 | $28,490 | $24,230 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.99 | $33,504 | $29,760 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.91 | $38,291 | $35,518 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.83 | $42,849 | $41,503 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,179 | $47,717 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.66 | $51,282 | $54,159 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Scituate, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar panels, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Scituate?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,350 for a 5-kW system and $40,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Scituate?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly 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 way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Scituate?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount 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.