Solar Panel Cost Guide in Great Barrington, MA (2023 Update)
- Great Barrington Solar Installation Cost: $9,302
- 25-Year Savings: $15,960
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Great Barrington
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Great Barrington.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Great Barrington, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.94 per watt. The average Great Barrington homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,302 with the federal tax credit, or $13,302 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Great Barrington homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Great Barrington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,292 |
| 3 years | $-6,271 |
| 5 years | $-4,250 |
| 7 years | $-2,229 |
| 9 years | $-208 |
| 11 years | $1,813 |
| 13 years | $3,834 |
| 15 years | $5,855 |
| 17 years | $7,876 |
| 19 years | $9,897 |
| 21 years | $11,918 |
| 23 years | $13,939 |
| 25 years | $15,960 |
Top Solar Installers in Great Barrington
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Great Barrington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Great Barrington
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Great Barrington: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater 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 model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, 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's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Great Barrington to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $20,718 | 9.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $27,953 | 9.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $35,353 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $42,918 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $50,647 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $58,541 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $66,599 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $74,823 | 8.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Great Barrington, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Great Barrington, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Great Barrington?
The average cost of solar panels in Great Barrington is about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 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 consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Great Barrington?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Great Barrington?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs 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 home 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.