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 average cost of solar panels in Belchertown is 4 per watt.The average Belchertown homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,815 with the federal tax credit, or $18,325 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Belchertown depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Belchertown homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Belchertown that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
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
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Another advantage of working with a solar company is that they can help you maximize your investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
See all of the solar companies in Belchertown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Belchertown
The cost of installing a solar system in Belchertown can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $4,060 per kilowatt in Belchertown.Some solar panel 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 you don’t have a lot of 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Belchertown, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When figuring 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 lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can influence the cost. Belchertown’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to 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
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean 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 look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like to install plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
EcoWatch's Belchertown, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Belchertown?
The average cost of solar panels in Belchertown is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration 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.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Belchertown?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.