Solar Panel Cost Guide in Paxton, MA (2024 Update)

  • Paxton Solar Installation Cost: $12,726
  • 25-Year Savings: $16,709
  • Payback Period: 12.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Paxton

We break down average solar pricing in Paxton.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Paxton it’s 4 per watt.The average Paxton homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,726 with the federal tax credit, or $18,198 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $22,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a custom estimate.

Solar savings over time in Paxton

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,002
3 years $-7,556
5 years $-4,109
7 years $-662
9 years $2,785
11 years $6,232
13 years $9,679
15 years $13,126
17 years $16,572
19 years $20,019
21 years $23,466
23 years $26,913
25 years $30,360

Top Solar Installers in Paxton

Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and handiness. Because of that, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’re unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.

If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Paxton:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Paxton

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Paxton

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Paxton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly 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 power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $4,060 per kilowatt in Paxton.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than 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 searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Paxton to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Paxton is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

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 $17,003 12.8 years
8 kW $4.14 $23,191 $23,125 12.5 years
10 kW $4.06 $28,420 $29,475 12.3 years
12 kW $3.98 $33,422 $36,052 12.0 years
14 kW $3.90 $38,196 $42,856 11.8 years
16 kW $3.82 $42,744 $49,888 11.5 years
18 kW $3.74 $47,064 $57,147 11.3 years
20 kW $3.65 $51,156 $64,634 11.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
  • Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Paxton, MA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Paxton?

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Paxton?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.

How will having solar panels impact my home 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 Paxton is currently $491,956, which means you can expect a value of about $20,170 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Paxton is a fruitful investment.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.

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