Solar Panel Cost Guide in East Harwich, MA (2024 Update)
- East Harwich Solar Installation Cost: $11,716
- 25-Year Savings: $17,619
- Payback Period: 11.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in East Harwich
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in East Harwich.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in East Harwich, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in East Harwich is around 4.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,716 for a solar installation, or $16,754 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of East Harwich homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the large initial cost, the average East Harwich homeowner can save around $24,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in East Harwich
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,115 |
| 3 years | $-6,913 |
| 5 years | $-3,710 |
| 7 years | $-507 |
| 9 years | $2,695 |
| 11 years | $5,898 |
| 13 years | $9,101 |
| 15 years | $12,303 |
| 17 years | $15,506 |
| 19 years | $18,708 |
| 21 years | $21,911 |
| 23 years | $25,114 |
| 25 years | $28,316 |
Top Solar Installers in East Harwich
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’re unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 East Harwich
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East Harwich
There are many criteria that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, 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 for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in East Harwich provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can play a part in determining how much it costs. East Harwich’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, 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 | $4.22 | $17,734 | $20,256 | 11.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $27,463 | 11.4 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $34,897 | 11.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $42,558 | 11.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $50,447 | 10.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $58,563 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $66,907 | 10.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $75,478 | 10.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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 East Harwich, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in East Harwich?
This is a hard 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. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in East Harwich?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
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 East Harwich is currently $908,090, so you can expect a value of about $37,232 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in East Harwich is a rewarding investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.