Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dover, MA (2024 Update)
- Dover Solar Installation Cost: $12,529
- 25-Year Savings: $16,269
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dover
We go over average solar pricing in Dover.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Dover, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average Dover 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.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Dover based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Dover see about $22,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dover
| 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 Dover
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Another good thing about going with a vetted solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar 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 Dover
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dover
There are a number of criteria that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Dover, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think 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 for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid option because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that 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 go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $4.22 | $17,734 | $16,755 | 12.9 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $22,795 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $29,063 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $35,557 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $42,279 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $49,228 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $56,405 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $63,809 | 11.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Dover, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven 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 previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel 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 Dover, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dover?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Dover?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Dover. 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 solar panels impact my property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Dover is currently $1,600,196, which means you can look forward to a value of about $65,608 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Dover is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Dover?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.