Solar Panel Cost Guide in Barre, MA (2023 Update)
- Barre Solar Installation Cost: $9,215
- 25-Year Savings: $16,709
- Payback Period: 8.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Barre
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Barre.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Barre, the average cost of solar panels 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.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Barre can save around $22,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Barre that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Barre
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,129 |
| 3 years | $-8,956 |
| 5 years | $-8,783 |
| 7 years | $-8,610 |
| 9 years | $-8,438 |
| 11 years | $-8,265 |
| 13 years | $-8,092 |
| 15 years | $-7,919 |
| 17 years | $-7,746 |
| 19 years | $-7,574 |
| 21 years | $-7,401 |
| 23 years | $-7,228 |
| 25 years | $-7,055 |
Top Solar Installers in Barre
When going solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your family.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Barre
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Barre
For many Barre homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Barre, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several 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 determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, 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 | $3.06 | $12,842 | $21,895 | 9.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $29,523 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $37,315 | 8.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $45,272 | 8.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $53,393 | 8.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $61,680 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $70,130 | 8.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $78,746 | 8.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
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 Barre, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Barre?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Barre have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.