Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ashburnham, MA (Feb 2023)
- Ashburnham Solar Installation Cost: $9,220
- 25-Year Savings: $17,872
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ashburnham
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Ashburnham.
The average cost of solar panels in Ashburnham is $3 per watt. Since a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Ashburnham, the average price of going solar will be about $9,220 before claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Ashburnham homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Ashburnham homeowners see about $23,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ashburnham
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,136 |
| 3 years | $-5,969 |
| 5 years | $-3,802 |
| 7 years | $-1,634 |
| 9 years | $533 |
| 11 years | $2,700 |
| 13 years | $4,868 |
| 15 years | $7,035 |
| 17 years | $9,202 |
| 19 years | $11,370 |
| 21 years | $13,537 |
| 23 years | $15,704 |
| 25 years | $17,872 |
Top Solar Installers in Ashburnham
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra time and expertise. For that reason, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Ashburnham
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ashburnham
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Ashburnham: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Ashburnham, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,940 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Ashburnham, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Ashburnham homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. 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 reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Ashburnham, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and 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 decide on the company that offers 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 | $3.06 | $12,842 | $23,459 | 8.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $31,608 | 8.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $39,921 | 8.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $48,399 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $57,042 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $65,850 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $74,822 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $83,958 | 7.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose considerably affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies 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 hire.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Ashburnham, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ashburnham?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Ashburnham?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Ashburnham?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Ashburnham?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.