Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rockport, MA (2024 Update)
- Rockport Solar Installation Cost: $12,074
- 25-Year Savings: $17,181
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rockport
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Rockport.
In Rockport, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Rockport homeowner needs a 4.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,074 with the federal tax credit, or $17,266 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Rockport based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Rockport can save around $23,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rockport
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,351 |
| 3 years | $-6,904 |
| 5 years | $-3,457 |
| 7 years | $-10 |
| 9 years | $3,437 |
| 11 years | $6,884 |
| 13 years | $10,331 |
| 15 years | $13,777 |
| 17 years | $17,224 |
| 19 years | $20,671 |
| 21 years | $24,118 |
| 23 years | $27,565 |
| 25 years | $31,012 |
Top Solar Installers in Rockport
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Rockport
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rockport
There are several factors that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $4,060 per kilowatt in Rockport.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Rockport to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Rockport homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Rockport, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Rockport know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $18,878 | 12.1 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $25,626 | 11.9 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $32,600 | 11.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $39,802 | 11.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $47,232 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $54,889 | 10.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $62,773 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $70,885 | 10.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- 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.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
- 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 substantial role in the company you opt for.
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 Rockport, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rockport?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than 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.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Rockport is currently $800,681, so you could be looking at a value of about $32,828 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Rockport is a fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.