Solar Panel Cost Guide in Shirley, MA (2025 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.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Shirley, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,674, or $18,124 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Shirley homeowner can save about $22,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
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
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy usage, but working with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in Shirley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Shirley
The cost of installing a solar system in Shirley can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
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 energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $4,060 per kilowatt in Shirley.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Shirley, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Shirley homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Shirley homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can influence how much it costs. Shirley’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
EcoWatch's Shirley, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Shirley?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Shirley?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Shirley. 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’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location 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 should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having 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.