Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Adams, MA (2024 Update)
- North Adams Solar Installation Cost: $12,836
- 25-Year Savings: $15,637
- Payback Period: 12.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Adams
We go over average solar pricing in North Adams.
The average cost of a solar panel system in North Adams is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $12,836 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you may look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.With typical savings of about $21,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in North Adams find investing in solar can pay off big.
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 North Adams
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,113 |
| 3 years | $-7,666 |
| 5 years | $-4,219 |
| 7 years | $-772 |
| 9 years | $2,675 |
| 11 years | $6,122 |
| 13 years | $9,569 |
| 15 years | $13,016 |
| 17 years | $16,462 |
| 19 years | $19,909 |
| 21 years | $23,356 |
| 23 years | $26,803 |
| 25 years | $30,250 |
Top Solar Installers in North Adams
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel installer since installing solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Another good thing about using a top solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in North Adams, we've put together 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 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 North Adams
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Adams
While the average cost of a solar system in North Adams is $12,836, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in North Adams, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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 over time on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the North Adams average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in North Adams to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in North Adams is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Additionally, some companies in North Adams know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 | $4.22 | $17,734 | $15,386 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $20,970 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $26,781 | 12.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $32,819 | 12.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $39,084 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $45,577 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $52,297 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $59,245 | 11.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating 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 North Adams, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in North Adams?
The average cost of solar panels in North Adams 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 things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in North Adams?
You can’t get solar panels for free in North Adams. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does North Adams have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.