Solar Panel Cost Guide in Southwick, MA (2023 Update)
- Southwick Solar Installation Cost: $9,199
- 25-Year Savings: $14,346
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Southwick
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Southwick.
The average cost of a solar system in Southwick is 2.94 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Southwick is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,199 for a solar installation, or $13,155 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on your specific situation and what company you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Southwick can save around $20,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Southwick for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Southwick
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,257 |
| 3 years | $-6,374 |
| 5 years | $-4,490 |
| 7 years | $-2,607 |
| 9 years | $-723 |
| 11 years | $1,161 |
| 13 years | $3,044 |
| 15 years | $4,928 |
| 17 years | $6,812 |
| 19 years | $8,695 |
| 21 years | $10,579 |
| 23 years | $12,462 |
| 25 years | $14,346 |
Top Solar Installers in Southwick
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your home.
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 Southwick
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Southwick
There are several criteria that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,940 per kilowatt in Southwick. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Southwick average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Southwick have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can affect the cost. Southwick'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 come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $18,733 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $25,306 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $32,045 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $38,947 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $46,015 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $53,247 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $60,644 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $68,205 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
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 Southwick, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Southwick?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Southwick?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 level 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.