Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hampden, MA (2024 Update)
- Hampden Solar Installation Cost: $12,716
- 25-Year Savings: $16,717
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hampden
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Hampden.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Hampden, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Hampden, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,716, or $18,184 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Hampden homeowners see about $22,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Hampden, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hampden
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,992 |
| 3 years | $-7,545 |
| 5 years | $-4,098 |
| 7 years | $-651 |
| 9 years | $2,795 |
| 11 years | $6,242 |
| 13 years | $9,689 |
| 15 years | $13,136 |
| 17 years | $16,583 |
| 19 years | $20,030 |
| 21 years | $23,477 |
| 23 years | $26,923 |
| 25 years | $30,370 |
Top Solar Installers in Hampden
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over time.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
See all of the solar companies in Hampden
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hampden
For many Hampden homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Hampden, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Hampden, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Hampden homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.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 with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within 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 | $17,031 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $23,163 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $29,522 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $36,109 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $42,923 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $49,964 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $57,233 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $64,728 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Hampden, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
EcoWatch's Hampden, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hampden?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Hampden?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often 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 way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Hampden, 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 check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.