Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dedham, MA (2024 Update)
- Dedham Solar Installation Cost: $12,529
- 25-Year Savings: $17,030
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dedham
We go over average solar pricing in Dedham.
In Dedham, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Dedham homeowner needs a 4.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,529 with the federal tax credit, or $17,916 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs may vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on power bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Dedham that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Dedham
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,928 |
| 3 years | $-7,725 |
| 5 years | $-4,523 |
| 7 years | $-1,320 |
| 9 years | $1,882 |
| 11 years | $5,085 |
| 13 years | $8,288 |
| 15 years | $11,490 |
| 17 years | $14,693 |
| 19 years | $17,896 |
| 21 years | $21,098 |
| 23 years | $24,301 |
| 25 years | $27,503 |
Top Solar Installers in Dedham
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and handiness. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but going with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Dedham
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dedham
The cost of installing a solar system in Dedham can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Dedham, one of the most crucial 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 power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much 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 out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Dedham is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and bulk 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 | $17,791 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $24,176 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $30,789 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $37,629 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $44,696 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $51,990 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $59,512 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $67,262 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
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 Dedham, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Dedham?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,184.18 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily 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 get 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.