Solar Panel Cost Guide in Somerset, MA (2023 Update)
- Somerset Solar Installation Cost: $8,911
- 25-Year Savings: $17,013
- Payback Period: 8.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Somerset
We go over average solar pricing in Somerset.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Somerset, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.94 per watt. Since a 4.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Somerset, the average price of going solar will be about $8,911 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Somerset homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $23,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Somerset find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Somerset
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,874 |
| 3 years | $-5,800 |
| 5 years | $-3,726 |
| 7 years | $-1,652 |
| 9 years | $422 |
| 11 years | $2,496 |
| 13 years | $4,570 |
| 15 years | $6,644 |
| 17 years | $8,718 |
| 19 years | $10,791 |
| 21 years | $12,865 |
| 23 years | $14,939 |
| 25 years | $17,013 |
Top Solar Installers in Somerset
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, if you're unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Somerset
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Somerset
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Somerset: 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
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Somerset, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,940 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Somerset, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Somerset 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 make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Somerset is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $23,092 | 8.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $31,119 | 8.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $39,310 | 8.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $47,666 | 8.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $56,186 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $64,871 | 8.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $73,721 | 7.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $82,736 | 7.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Somerset, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Somerset?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Somerset?
You can't get solar panels for free in Somerset. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Somerset?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.