Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ashburnham, MA (2023 Update)
- Ashburnham Solar Installation Cost: $9,215
- 25-Year Savings: $17,876
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ashburnham
We break down average solar pricing in Ashburnham.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Ashburnham, the average cost of a solar system is 2.94 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $9,220 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Ashburnham depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Ashburnham see about $23,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Ashburnham that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Ashburnham
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,125 |
| 3 years | $-8,944 |
| 5 years | $-8,764 |
| 7 years | $-8,583 |
| 9 years | $-8,403 |
| 11 years | $-8,222 |
| 13 years | $-8,041 |
| 15 years | $-7,861 |
| 17 years | $-7,680 |
| 19 years | $-7,500 |
| 21 years | $-7,319 |
| 23 years | $-7,138 |
| 25 years | $-6,958 |
Top Solar Installers in Ashburnham
Installing solar panels on your own can be a difficult project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your home.
If you're looking for a solar company in Ashburnham, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Ashburnham
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ashburnham
For many Ashburnham homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Ashburnham, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly 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 determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Ashburnham average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Ashburnham, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you pick will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Ashburnham, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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.