Solar Panel Cost Guide in Freetown, MA (2023 Update)
- Freetown Solar Installation Cost: $8,911
- 25-Year Savings: $17,040
- Payback Period: 8.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Freetown
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Freetown.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Freetown it's 2.94 per watt. The average Freetown homeowner needs a 4.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $8,911 with the federal tax credit, or $12,743 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Freetown homeowners see about $23,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Freetown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,873 |
| 3 years | $-5,797 |
| 5 years | $-3,721 |
| 7 years | $-1,645 |
| 9 years | $431 |
| 11 years | $2,507 |
| 13 years | $4,583 |
| 15 years | $6,659 |
| 17 years | $8,736 |
| 19 years | $10,812 |
| 21 years | $12,888 |
| 23 years | $14,964 |
| 25 years | $17,040 |
Top Solar Installers in Freetown
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra time and knowledge. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren't sure what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Freetown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Freetown
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Freetown: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,940 per kilowatt in Freetown. The type of 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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Freetown average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Freetown have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Freetown is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. Additionally, some companies in Freetown are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $23,129 | 8.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $31,168 | 8.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $39,371 | 8.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $47,739 | 8.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $56,272 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $64,969 | 8.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $73,831 | 7.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $82,858 | 7.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Freetown, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Freetown?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Freetown?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,199.02 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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 higher 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.