Solar Panel Cost Guide in Smith Mills, MA (2024 Update)
- Smith Mills Solar Installation Cost: $12,302
- 25-Year Savings: $17,105
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Smith Mills
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Smith Mills.
In Smith Mills, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Smith Mills homeowner needs a 4.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,302 with the federal tax credit, or $17,592 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Smith Mills homeowner can save about $23,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Smith Mills
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,579 |
| 3 years | $-7,132 |
| 5 years | $-3,685 |
| 7 years | $-238 |
| 9 years | $3,209 |
| 11 years | $6,656 |
| 13 years | $10,103 |
| 15 years | $13,550 |
| 17 years | $16,996 |
| 19 years | $20,443 |
| 21 years | $23,890 |
| 23 years | $27,337 |
| 25 years | $30,784 |
Top Solar Installers in Smith Mills
When going solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Another perk of utilizing a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Smith Mills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Smith Mills
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Smith Mills: 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Smith Mills, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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
Most solar companies in Smith Mills have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Smith Mills, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $18,324 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $24,886 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $31,676 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $38,694 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $45,939 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $53,411 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $61,110 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $69,037 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Smith Mills, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Smith Mills, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Smith Mills?
The average cost of solar panels in Smith Mills is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Smith Mills, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Smith Mills?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.