Solar Panel Cost Guide in Scituate, MA (2024 Update)
- Scituate Solar Installation Cost: $11,760
- 25-Year Savings: $31,326
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Scituate
We break down average solar pricing in Scituate.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Scituate is 4 per watt.Because a 4.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Scituate, the average price of going solar will be about $11,760 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.With average savings of about $24,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Scituate find installing solar panels can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Scituate
| 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 Scituate
Installing solar panels yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers provide can be valuable as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment would be right 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 Scituate
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Scituate
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Scituate: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $4,060. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Scituate to be prohibitively steep, 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 a higher cost over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Scituate know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $19,662 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $26,671 | 11.6 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $33,907 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $41,370 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $49,061 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $56,979 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $65,124 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $73,497 | 10.3 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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 Scituate, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Scituate?
The average cost of solar panels in Scituate 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 stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Scituate?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,246.53 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Scituate?
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 higher amount 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.