Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chelmsford, MA (Mar 2023)
- Chelmsford Solar Installation Cost: $9,179
- 25-Year Savings: $16,805
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chelmsford
We go over average solar pricing in Chelmsford.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Chelmsford, the average cost of solar panels is 2.94 per watt. Since a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Chelmsford, the average price of going solar will be about $9,179 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Chelmsford homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Chelmsford can save about $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in Chelmsford, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chelmsford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,139 |
| 3 years | $-6,061 |
| 5 years | $-3,982 |
| 7 years | $-1,903 |
| 9 years | $176 |
| 11 years | $2,254 |
| 13 years | $4,333 |
| 15 years | $6,412 |
| 17 years | $8,490 |
| 19 years | $10,569 |
| 21 years | $12,648 |
| 23 years | $14,727 |
| 25 years | $16,805 |
Top Solar Installers in Chelmsford
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Chelmsford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chelmsford
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Chelmsford: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,940 per kilowatt in Chelmsford. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower 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 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. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Chelmsford homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Chelmsford is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. 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 generally 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 | $22,118 | 9.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $29,821 | 9.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $37,687 | 8.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $45,719 | 8.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $53,915 | 8.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $62,275 | 8.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $70,801 | 8.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $79,490 | 7.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like to get plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good 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.
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 Chelmsford, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chelmsford?
The average cost of solar panels in Chelmsford is about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Chelmsford?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Chelmsford is currently $402,547, so you could be looking at a value of about $16,504 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Chelmsford is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Chelmsford?
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.