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.Since a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Cochituate, the average price of going solar will be about $12,674 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.With average savings of about $22,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Cochituate find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area 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
When going solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since handling can be a difficult project. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Cochituate, therefore optimizing your ROI.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Cochituate
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cochituate
The cost of installing a solar system in Cochituate can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,060.The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Further, 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 searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Cochituate to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Cochituate is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Cochituate know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of 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 | $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 a large number of companies to choose from in Cochituate, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Cochituate, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cochituate?
The average cost of solar panels in Cochituate 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Cochituate, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact 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 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.