Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Hadley, MA (2023 Update)
- South Hadley Solar Installation Cost: $9,280
- 25-Year Savings: $13,145
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Hadley
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in South Hadley.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in South Hadley typically cost around 2.94. Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $9,282 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average South Hadley homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $19,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in South Hadley find going solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in South Hadley for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in South Hadley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,557 |
| 3 years | $-4,110 |
| 5 years | $-663 |
| 7 years | $2,784 |
| 9 years | $6,231 |
| 11 years | $9,678 |
| 13 years | $13,125 |
| 15 years | $16,571 |
| 17 years | $20,018 |
| 19 years | $23,465 |
| 21 years | $26,912 |
| 23 years | $30,359 |
| 25 years | $33,806 |
Top Solar Installers in South Hadley
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Plus, if you're unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 South Hadley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Hadley
Although the average cost of a solar system in South Hadley is $9,282, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like South Hadley, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many South Hadley homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in South Hadley, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that has 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 | $3.06 | $12,842 | $16,996 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $22,991 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $29,151 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $35,475 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $41,963 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $48,617 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $55,435 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $62,417 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in South Hadley, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
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 South Hadley, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in South Hadley?
The average cost of solar panels in South Hadley is about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in South Hadley?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in South Hadley?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.