Solar Panel Cost Guide in Belchertown, MA (2023 Update)
- Belchertown Solar Installation Cost: $9,280
- 25-Year Savings: $15,651
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Belchertown
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Belchertown.
In Belchertown, solar panels cost about 2.94 per watt on average. The average Belchertown homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,282 with the federal tax credit, or $13,273 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Belchertown can save around $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Belchertown for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Belchertown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,557 |
| 3 years | $-4,110 |
| 5 years | $-663 |
| 7 years | $2,784 |
| 9 years | $6,231 |
| 11 years | $9,678 |
| 13 years | $13,125 |
| 15 years | $16,571 |
| 17 years | $20,018 |
| 19 years | $23,465 |
| 21 years | $26,912 |
| 23 years | $30,359 |
| 25 years | $33,806 |
Top Solar Installers in Belchertown
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
Working with a professional solar company 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 Belchertown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Belchertown
For many Belchertown homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Belchertown, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Belchertown, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,940 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Belchertown, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Belchertown to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Belchertown is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $20,331 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $27,438 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $34,709 | 9.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $42,145 | 9.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $49,745 | 8.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $57,510 | 8.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $65,440 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $73,534 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- 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.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure 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
EcoWatch's Belchertown, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Belchertown?
The average cost of solar panels in Belchertown is about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Belchertown?
You can't get solar panels for free in Belchertown. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Belchertown?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much 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 buy 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.