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

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rockport

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Rockport.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Rockport generally cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in Rockport is around 4.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,074 for a solar installation, or $17,266 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Rockport homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $23,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, 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

When going solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

While the average cost of a solar system in Rockport is $12,074, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.

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 about $4,060 per kilowatt in Rockport.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can play a part in determining how much you pay. Rockport’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. 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 come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for 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 $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

Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose considerably influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • 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 likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar panels, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rockport?

The average cost of solar panels in Rockport is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Do solar panels increase your home value?

Solar panels can increase your property’s value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.

Follow us