Solar Panel Cost Guide in Northfield, MA (2023 Update)
- Northfield Solar Installation Cost: $9,323
- 25-Year Savings: $15,278
- Payback Period: 9.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Northfield
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Northfield.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Northfield is 2.94 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $9,323 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Northfield homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Northfield homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Northfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,339 |
| 3 years | $-6,371 |
| 5 years | $-4,403 |
| 7 years | $-2,435 |
| 9 years | $-466 |
| 11 years | $1,502 |
| 13 years | $3,470 |
| 15 years | $5,438 |
| 17 years | $7,406 |
| 19 years | $9,374 |
| 21 years | $11,342 |
| 23 years | $13,310 |
| 25 years | $15,278 |
Top Solar Installers in Northfield
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers offer can be helpful as well, especially if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Northfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Northfield
For many Northfield homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Northfield, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,940 per kilowatt in Northfield. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Northfield to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. 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 finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Northfield know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $19,767 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $26,685 | 9.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $33,768 | 9.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $41,015 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $48,427 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $56,004 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $63,745 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $71,651 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Northfield, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Northfield, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Northfield?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location 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 $1,086.95 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Northfield?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.