Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chicopee, MA (2024 Update)
- Chicopee Solar Installation Cost: $12,716
- 25-Year Savings: $12,743
- Payback Period: 14.5 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chicopee
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Chicopee.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Chicopee typically cost around 4.The average Chicopee homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,716 with the federal tax credit, or $18,184 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Chicopee based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $19,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Chicopee for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Chicopee
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,815 |
| 3 years | $-10,014 |
| 5 years | $-8,213 |
| 7 years | $-6,412 |
| 9 years | $-4,611 |
| 11 years | $-2,810 |
| 13 years | $-1,009 |
| 15 years | $792 |
| 17 years | $2,593 |
| 19 years | $4,394 |
| 21 years | $6,195 |
| 23 years | $7,996 |
| 25 years | $9,797 |
Top Solar Installers in Chicopee
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, opting for a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Chicopee
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chicopee
Though the average cost of a solar system in Chicopee is $12,716, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Chicopee provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Chicopee homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Chicopee are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $11,702 | 15.1 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $16,058 | 14.8 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $20,641 | 14.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $25,451 | 14.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $30,489 | 13.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $35,754 | 13.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $41,246 | 13.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $46,966 | 13.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
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 Chicopee, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chicopee?
The average cost of solar panels in Chicopee is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Chicopee?
Solar panels aren’t free in Chicopee, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Chicopee, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.