Solar Panel Cost Guide in Northampton, MA (2023 Update)
- Northampton Solar Installation Cost: $9,282
- 25-Year Savings: $15,231
- Payback Period: 9.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Northampton
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Northampton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Northampton it's 2.94 per watt. Because a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Northampton, the average price of going solar will be about $9,282 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Northampton homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on power bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Northampton for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Northampton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,301 |
| 3 years | $-6,340 |
| 5 years | $-4,379 |
| 7 years | $-2,418 |
| 9 years | $-457 |
| 11 years | $1,504 |
| 13 years | $3,465 |
| 15 years | $5,426 |
| 17 years | $7,387 |
| 19 years | $9,348 |
| 21 years | $11,309 |
| 23 years | $13,270 |
| 25 years | $15,231 |
Top Solar Installers in Northampton
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Northampton:
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 Northampton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Northampton
The cost of installing a solar system in Northampton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
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 energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,940 per kilowatt in Northampton. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Northampton, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of 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 promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $19,774 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $26,694 | 9.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $33,779 | 9.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $41,029 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $48,443 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $56,022 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $63,766 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $71,674 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly affects your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, 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 Northampton, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Northampton?
The average cost of solar panels in Northampton is about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Northampton?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure 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 savings from going solar.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Northampton, 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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.