Solar Panel Cost Guide in Orange, MA (2023 Update)
- Orange Solar Installation Cost: $9,323
- 25-Year Savings: $16,602
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Orange
We go over average solar pricing in Orange.
In Orange, solar panels cost about 2.94 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Orange is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,323 for a solar installation, or $13,332 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 Orange homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Orange
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,286 |
| 3 years | $-6,212 |
| 5 years | $-4,138 |
| 7 years | $-2,064 |
| 9 years | $10 |
| 11 years | $2,084 |
| 13 years | $4,158 |
| 15 years | $6,232 |
| 17 years | $8,306 |
| 19 years | $10,380 |
| 21 years | $12,454 |
| 23 years | $14,528 |
| 25 years | $16,602 |
Top Solar Installers in Orange
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since installing solar panels by yourself can be hard. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 Orange
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Orange
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Orange: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,940. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Orange, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. 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 find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into 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 | $3.06 | $12,842 | $21,521 | 9.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $29,024 | 9.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $36,692 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $44,524 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $52,521 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $60,683 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $69,009 | 8.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $77,500 | 8.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
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 Orange, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Orange?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Orange?
You can't get solar panels for free in Orange. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Orange is currently $163,800, so you could be looking at a value of about $6,716 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Orange is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses 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.