Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Hadley, MA (2024 Update)

  • South Hadley Solar Installation Cost: $12,815
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,145
  • Payback Period: 14.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Hadley

Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in South Hadley.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in South Hadley typically cost about 4.Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $12,815 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $19,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a custom quote.

Solar savings over time in South Hadley

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,092
3 years $-7,645
5 years $-4,198
7 years $-751
9 years $2,695
11 years $6,142
13 years $9,589
15 years $13,036
17 years $16,483
19 years $19,930
21 years $23,377
23 years $26,824
25 years $30,270

Top Solar Installers in South Hadley

Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over time.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 South Hadley

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Hadley

The cost of installing a solar system in South Hadley can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,060.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in South Hadley, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can impact the cost. South Hadley’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.

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 $12,104 14.9 years
8 kW $4.14 $23,191 $16,594 14.6 years
10 kW $4.06 $28,420 $21,311 14.3 years
12 kW $3.98 $33,422 $26,255 14.0 years
14 kW $3.90 $38,196 $31,426 13.7 years
16 kW $3.82 $42,744 $36,825 13.4 years
18 kW $3.74 $47,064 $42,452 13.1 years
20 kW $3.65 $51,156 $48,305 12.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar panel company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:

  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
  • Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.
  • 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 research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's South Hadley, MA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in South Hadley?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in South Hadley?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.

Is going solar worth it?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.

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