Solar Panel Cost Guide in Scituate, RI (Mar 2023)
- Scituate Solar Installation Cost: $8,270
- 25-Year Savings: $13,677
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Scituate
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Scituate.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Scituate typically cost about 2.84. Using this figure, a typical 4.2-kW system would cost about $8,270 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Scituate depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Scituate for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Scituate
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,392 |
| 3 years | $-5,636 |
| 5 years | $-3,881 |
| 7 years | $-2,125 |
| 9 years | $-369 |
| 11 years | $1,386 |
| 13 years | $3,142 |
| 15 years | $4,898 |
| 17 years | $6,654 |
| 19 years | $8,409 |
| 21 years | $10,165 |
| 23 years | $11,921 |
| 25 years | $13,677 |
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. Using an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Scituate
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Scituate
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Scituate: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Scituate, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,840 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Scituate to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate 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 example, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 companies available in Scituate, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Scituate, RI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Scituate?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,200 for a 5-kW system and $28,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Scituate?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Scituate?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.