Solar Panel Cost Guide in Belchertown, MA (2024 Update)
- Belchertown Solar Installation Cost: $12,815
- 25-Year Savings: $15,651
- Payback Period: 12.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Belchertown
We break down average solar pricing in Belchertown.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Belchertown it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $12,815 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Belchertown depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Belchertown, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Belchertown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,092 |
| 3 years | $-7,645 |
| 5 years | $-4,198 |
| 7 years | $-751 |
| 9 years | $2,695 |
| 11 years | $6,142 |
| 13 years | $9,589 |
| 15 years | $13,036 |
| 17 years | $16,483 |
| 19 years | $19,930 |
| 21 years | $23,377 |
| 23 years | $26,824 |
| 25 years | $30,270 |
Top Solar Installers in Belchertown
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Belchertown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Belchertown
There are several criteria that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $4,060 per kilowatt in Belchertown.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space 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. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Belchertown homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Belchertown homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car 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 | $4.22 | $17,734 | $15,439 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $21,040 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $26,869 | 12.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $32,925 | 12.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $39,208 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $45,719 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $52,456 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $59,422 | 11.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates 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 likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job 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 opt for.
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 Belchertown, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Belchertown?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Belchertown?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Belchertown?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.