Solar Panel Cost Guide in Shirley, MA (2024 Update)
- Shirley Solar Installation Cost: $12,674
- 25-Year Savings: $16,708
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Shirley
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Shirley.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Shirley it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Shirley is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,674 for a solar installation, or $18,124 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Shirley can save around $22,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in Shirley for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Shirley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,927 |
| 3 years | $-7,435 |
| 5 years | $-3,943 |
| 7 years | $-450 |
| 9 years | $3,042 |
| 11 years | $6,535 |
| 13 years | $10,027 |
| 15 years | $13,519 |
| 17 years | $17,012 |
| 19 years | $20,504 |
| 21 years | $23,997 |
| 23 years | $27,489 |
| 25 years | $30,981 |
Top Solar Installers in Shirley
Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Shirley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Shirley
There are a number of factors that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Shirley, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Shirley average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Shirley, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Shirley, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Shirley know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $4.22 | $17,734 | $17,094 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $23,247 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $29,627 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $36,235 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $43,070 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $50,132 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $57,422 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $64,939 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- 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 will go and the completion timeline.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Shirley, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Shirley?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Shirley?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Shirley, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located 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 $1,160.95 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Shirley?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had 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.