Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oxford, MA (2023 Update)
- Oxford Solar Installation Cost: $9,220
- 25-Year Savings: $16,705
- Payback Period: 8.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oxford
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Oxford.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Oxford typically cost about 2.94. Because a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Oxford, the average price of going solar will be about $9,220 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 Oxford homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the large upfront cost, the average Oxford homeowner can save about $22,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Oxford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,183 |
| 3 years | $-6,109 |
| 5 years | $-4,035 |
| 7 years | $-1,961 |
| 9 years | $113 |
| 11 years | $2,187 |
| 13 years | $4,261 |
| 15 years | $6,335 |
| 17 years | $8,409 |
| 19 years | $10,483 |
| 21 years | $12,557 |
| 23 years | $14,631 |
| 25 years | $16,705 |
Top Solar Installers in Oxford
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra effort and knowledge. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, opting for a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Oxford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oxford
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Oxford: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,940 per kilowatt in Oxford. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider 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 falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Oxford to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Oxford homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can influence how much you pay. Oxford's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount 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 | $21,895 | 9.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $29,523 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $37,315 | 8.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $45,272 | 8.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $53,393 | 8.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $61,680 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $70,130 | 8.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $78,746 | 8.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will influence 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 some important things you should consider, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through fully 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 what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 Oxford, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Oxford?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Oxford?
A solar panel system isn't free in Oxford, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Oxford is currently $260,073, so you can expect a value of about $10,663 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Oxford is a rewarding investment.
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 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 get 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.