Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rockland, MA (2024 Update)
- Rockland Solar Installation Cost: $11,760
- 25-Year Savings: $31,326
- Payback Period: 11.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rockland
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Rockland.
In Rockland, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Rockland homeowner needs a 4.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,760 with the federal tax credit, or $16,817 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Rockland based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Rockland homeowner can save around $23,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rockland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,037 |
| 3 years | $-6,590 |
| 5 years | $-3,143 |
| 7 years | $304 |
| 9 years | $3,751 |
| 11 years | $7,198 |
| 13 years | $10,644 |
| 15 years | $14,091 |
| 17 years | $17,538 |
| 19 years | $20,985 |
| 21 years | $24,432 |
| 23 years | $27,879 |
| 25 years | $31,326 |
Top Solar Installers in Rockland
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a dangerous task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. 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 Rockland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rockland
For many Rockland homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Rockland, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $4,060 per kilowatt in Rockland.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Rockland, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Rockland, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Rockland homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Rockland, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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 | $18,801 | 12.1 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $25,522 | 11.9 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $32,471 | 11.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $39,648 | 11.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $47,051 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $54,682 | 11.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $62,541 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $70,626 | 10.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 Rockland, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rockland?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Rockland?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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.