Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cochituate, MA (2024 Update)
- Cochituate Solar Installation Cost: $12,674
- 25-Year Savings: $16,926
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cochituate
We break down average solar pricing in Cochituate.
In Cochituate, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Cochituate is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,674 for a solar installation, or $18,124 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Cochituate homeowner can save about $22,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in Cochituate for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Cochituate
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,072 |
| 3 years | $-7,870 |
| 5 years | $-4,667 |
| 7 years | $-1,465 |
| 9 years | $1,738 |
| 11 years | $4,941 |
| 13 years | $8,143 |
| 15 years | $11,346 |
| 17 years | $14,549 |
| 19 years | $17,751 |
| 21 years | $20,954 |
| 23 years | $24,156 |
| 25 years | $27,359 |
Top Solar Installers in Cochituate
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be hard. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
There are a number of 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 Cochituate
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cochituate
Although the average cost of a solar system in Cochituate is $12,674, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few 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
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $4,060 per kilowatt in Cochituate.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about 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 falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Cochituate, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Cochituate, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $17,387 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $23,637 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $30,115 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $36,820 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $43,752 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $50,912 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $58,299 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $65,913 | 10.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Cochituate, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
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 Cochituate, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cochituate?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Cochituate, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Cochituate?
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 larger amount 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.