Solar Panel Cost Guide in East Longmeadow, MA (Mar 2023)
- East Longmeadow Solar Installation Cost: $9,199
- 25-Year Savings: $15,732
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in East Longmeadow
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in East Longmeadow.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in East Longmeadow it's 2.94 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $9,199 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of East Longmeadow homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the significant initial cost, the average East Longmeadow homeowner can save around $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in East Longmeadow
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,202 |
| 3 years | $-6,207 |
| 5 years | $-4,213 |
| 7 years | $-2,218 |
| 9 years | $-224 |
| 11 years | $1,771 |
| 13 years | $3,765 |
| 15 years | $5,760 |
| 17 years | $7,754 |
| 19 years | $9,749 |
| 21 years | $11,743 |
| 23 years | $13,738 |
| 25 years | $15,732 |
Top Solar Installers in East Longmeadow
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in East Longmeadow, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 East Longmeadow
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East Longmeadow
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in East Longmeadow: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major 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 increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,940. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for East Longmeadow homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can play a part in determining your pricing. East Longmeadow's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $20,592 | 9.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $27,785 | 9.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $35,143 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $42,666 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $50,353 | 8.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $58,205 | 8.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $66,221 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $74,403 | 8.3 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 brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
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 East Longmeadow, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in East Longmeadow?
The average cost of solar panels in East Longmeadow is about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in East Longmeadow?
Solar panels aren't free in East Longmeadow, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Does East Longmeadow have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.