Solar Panel Cost Guide in Belchertown, MA (Mar 2023)
- Belchertown Solar Installation Cost: $9,282
- 25-Year Savings: $15,650
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Belchertown
We go over average solar pricing in Belchertown.
In Belchertown, solar panels cost about 2.94 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $9,282 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Belchertown can save about $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Belchertown for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Belchertown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,284 |
| 3 years | $-6,290 |
| 5 years | $-4,295 |
| 7 years | $-2,301 |
| 9 years | $-306 |
| 11 years | $1,688 |
| 13 years | $3,683 |
| 15 years | $5,677 |
| 17 years | $7,672 |
| 19 years | $9,666 |
| 21 years | $11,661 |
| 23 years | $13,655 |
| 25 years | $15,650 |
Top Solar Installers in Belchertown
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, opting for a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Belchertown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Belchertown
While the average cost of a solar system in Belchertown is $9,282, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 greater 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 significant investment. That's why many Belchertown homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's important to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Belchertown, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 type of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you opt for.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Belchertown?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful 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 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 needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 cover 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.