Solar Panel Cost Guide in Falmouth, MA (2024 Update)
- Falmouth 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 Falmouth
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Falmouth.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Falmouth it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.1-kW system would cost about $11,716 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on your specific situation and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $24,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in Falmouth for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Falmouth
| 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 Falmouth
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 Falmouth
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Falmouth
Although the average cost of a solar system in Falmouth is $11,716, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Falmouth, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power 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 greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, 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
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Falmouth homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to 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 lower to compete with bigger companies.
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
The solar panel company you go with will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Falmouth, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Falmouth?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Falmouth?
Solar panels aren’t free in Falmouth, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located 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 $1,266.34 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 opt to 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.