Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chelmsford, MA (2023 Update)
- Chelmsford Solar Installation Cost: $9,178
- 25-Year Savings: $16,807
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chelmsford
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Chelmsford.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Chelmsford typically cost about 2.94. The average solar panel system size in Chelmsford is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,179 for a solar installation, or $13,126 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on your energy needs and what company you go with. Despite the large upfront cost, the average Chelmsford homeowner can save around $22,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chelmsford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,091 |
| 3 years | $-8,918 |
| 5 years | $-8,744 |
| 7 years | $-8,571 |
| 9 years | $-8,398 |
| 11 years | $-8,225 |
| 13 years | $-8,052 |
| 15 years | $-7,878 |
| 17 years | $-7,705 |
| 19 years | $-7,532 |
| 21 years | $-7,359 |
| 23 years | $-7,185 |
| 25 years | $-7,012 |
Top Solar Installers in Chelmsford
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Chelmsford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chelmsford
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing 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 cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,940 per kilowatt in Chelmsford. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Chelmsford average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Chelmsford homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into your budget.
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
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- 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 large role in the company you choose.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
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 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.