Solar Panel Cost Guide in Essex, MA (2024 Update)
- Essex Solar Installation Cost: $12,074
- 25-Year Savings: $16,211
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Essex
We go over average solar pricing in Essex.
The average cost of solar panels in Essex is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Essex is around 4.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,074 for a solar installation, or $17,266 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Essex
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,351 |
| 3 years | $-6,904 |
| 5 years | $-3,457 |
| 7 years | $-10 |
| 9 years | $3,437 |
| 11 years | $6,884 |
| 13 years | $10,331 |
| 15 years | $13,777 |
| 17 years | $17,224 |
| 19 years | $20,671 |
| 21 years | $24,118 |
| 23 years | $27,565 |
| 25 years | $31,012 |
Top Solar Installers in Essex
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra labor and knowledge. That's why the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren’t sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Essex
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Essex
The cost of installing a solar system in Essex can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation need 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 solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Essex average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Essex, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Essex is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $17,508 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $23,798 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $30,316 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $37,062 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $44,034 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $51,235 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $58,662 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $66,317 | 10.9 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:
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Essex, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Essex?
The average cost of solar panels in Essex is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Essex is currently $807,755, so you can expect a value of about $33,118 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Essex is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Essex?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having 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.