Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chelsea, MA (2023 Update)
- Chelsea Solar Installation Cost: $9,035
- 25-Year Savings: $16,979
- Payback Period: 8.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chelsea
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Chelsea.
The average cost of a solar system in Chelsea is 2.94 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 4.4-kW system would cost about $9,035 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chelsea
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,994 |
| 3 years | $-5,913 |
| 5 years | $-3,832 |
| 7 years | $-1,751 |
| 9 years | $330 |
| 11 years | $2,411 |
| 13 years | $4,493 |
| 15 years | $6,574 |
| 17 years | $8,655 |
| 19 years | $10,736 |
| 21 years | $12,817 |
| 23 years | $14,898 |
| 25 years | $16,979 |
Top Solar Installers in Chelsea
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a difficult task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some 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
See all of the solar companies in Chelsea
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chelsea
For many Chelsea homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Chelsea, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over 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 power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,940 per kilowatt in Chelsea. The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Chelsea to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. When estimating 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
The final key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Chelsea, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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 | $22,680 | 9.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $30,570 | 8.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $38,624 | 8.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $46,843 | 8.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $55,226 | 8.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $63,774 | 8.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $72,486 | 8.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $81,364 | 7.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds 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:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
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 Chelsea, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chelsea?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Chelsea?
You can't get solar panels for free in Chelsea. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Chelsea?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.