Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chicopee, MA (Mar 2023)
- Chicopee Solar Installation Cost: $9,199
- 25-Year Savings: $12,751
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chicopee
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Chicopee.
The average cost of a solar system in Chicopee is 2.94 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Chicopee is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,199 for a solar installation, or $13,155 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Chicopee based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. With average savings of about $19,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Chicopee find going solar can pay off big.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chicopee
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,321 |
| 3 years | $-6,565 |
| 5 years | $-4,809 |
| 7 years | $-3,053 |
| 9 years | $-1,297 |
| 11 years | $459 |
| 13 years | $2,215 |
| 15 years | $3,971 |
| 17 years | $5,727 |
| 19 years | $7,483 |
| 21 years | $9,239 |
| 23 years | $10,995 |
| 25 years | $12,751 |
Top Solar Installers in Chicopee
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Chicopee
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chicopee
There are a number of criteria that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Chicopee, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,940 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Chicopee to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Chicopee, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Chicopee have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 | $3.06 | $12,842 | $16,595 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $22,455 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $28,481 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $34,671 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $41,026 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $47,545 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $54,229 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $61,078 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
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 Chicopee, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chicopee?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Chicopee?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Chicopee?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.