Solar Panel Cost Guide in Swampscott, MA (2024 Update)
- Swampscott Solar Installation Cost: $12,074
- 25-Year Savings: $16,792
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Swampscott
We go over average solar pricing in Swampscott.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Swampscott typically cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in Swampscott 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.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Swampscott based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $23,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Swampscott that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Swampscott
| 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 Swampscott
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since installing solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor too, which can save you more money over time.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Swampscott, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Swampscott
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Swampscott
For many Swampscott homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Swampscott, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Swampscott is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Additionally, some companies in Swampscott have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about 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 end up saving you 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 | $18,329 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $24,893 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $31,685 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $38,704 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $45,950 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $53,424 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $61,125 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $69,053 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 Swampscott, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Swampscott?
The average cost of solar panels in Swampscott is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Swampscott, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.