Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ashburnham, MA (2024 Update)
- Ashburnham Solar Installation Cost: $12,726
- 25-Year Savings: $17,876
- Payback Period: 11.7 Years
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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 national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Ashburnham it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $12,726 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Ashburnham depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $23,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted 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 | $-10,980 |
| 3 years | $-7,487 |
| 5 years | $-3,995 |
| 7 years | $-502 |
| 9 years | $2,990 |
| 11 years | $6,482 |
| 13 years | $9,975 |
| 15 years | $13,467 |
| 17 years | $16,960 |
| 19 years | $20,452 |
| 21 years | $23,944 |
| 23 years | $27,437 |
| 25 years | $30,929 |
Top Solar Installers in Ashburnham
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your home.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Ashburnham, the EcoWatch team has put together 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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Ashburnham
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ashburnham
The cost of installing a solar system in Ashburnham can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Ashburnham, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only 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 Ashburnham to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Ashburnham, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $18,567 | 12.2 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $25,210 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $32,081 | 11.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $39,180 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $46,505 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $54,058 | 11.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $61,839 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $69,846 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panels, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- 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 most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Ashburnham, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ashburnham?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Ashburnham?
Solar panels aren’t free in Ashburnham, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.