Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sheffield, MA (Feb 2023)
- Sheffield Solar Installation Cost: $9,302
- 25-Year Savings: $16,126
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sheffield
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Sheffield.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Sheffield typically cost around $3. Using this figure, a typical 4.5 would cost about $9,302 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Sheffield can save about $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Sheffield for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Sheffield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,285 |
| 3 years | $-6,251 |
| 5 years | $-4,217 |
| 7 years | $-2,182 |
| 9 years | $-148 |
| 11 years | $1,886 |
| 13 years | $3,920 |
| 15 years | $5,955 |
| 17 years | $7,989 |
| 19 years | $10,023 |
| 21 years | $12,057 |
| 23 years | $14,092 |
| 25 years | $16,126 |
Top Solar Installers in Sheffield
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Sheffield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sheffield
There are a number of criteria that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Sheffield, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,940 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind 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 are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Sheffield, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Sheffield is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $3.06 | $12,842 | $20,938 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $28,246 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $35,720 | 9.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $43,357 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $51,160 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $59,127 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $67,259 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $75,555 | 8.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Sheffield, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sheffield?
The average cost of solar panels in Sheffield is about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Sheffield?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much 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 install 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.