Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chelsea, MA (2025 Update)
- Chelsea Solar Installation Cost: $12,487
- 25-Year Savings: $16,971
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chelsea
We go over average solar pricing in Chelsea.
In Chelsea, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Since a 4.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Chelsea, the average price of going solar will be about $12,487 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may differ based on your energy needs and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $22,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Chelsea, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chelsea
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,764 |
| 3 years | $-7,317 |
| 5 years | $-3,870 |
| 7 years | $-423 |
| 9 years | $3,023 |
| 11 years | $6,470 |
| 13 years | $9,917 |
| 15 years | $13,364 |
| 17 years | $16,811 |
| 19 years | $20,258 |
| 21 years | $23,705 |
| 23 years | $27,152 |
| 25 years | $30,598 |
Top Solar Installers in Chelsea
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to use a solar installer since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Chelsea, thereby optimizing your ROI.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Chelsea, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in Chelsea
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chelsea
For many Chelsea homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on 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 numerous factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Chelsea, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Chelsea average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Chelsea provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $17,788 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $24,172 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $30,784 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $37,623 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $44,689 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $51,983 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $59,503 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $67,252 | 10.8 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 models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers 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.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
EcoWatch's Chelsea, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chelsea?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient 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 install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Chelsea have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Chelsea?
On average, solar panels can last 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 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.