Solar Panel Cost Guide in Townsend, MA (2024 Update)
- Townsend Solar Installation Cost: $12,674
- 25-Year Savings: $19,081
- Payback Period: 11.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Townsend
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Townsend.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Townsend it’s 4 per watt.Since a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Townsend, the average price of going solar will be about $12,674 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.With typical savings of about $24,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Townsend find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Townsend for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Townsend
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,905 |
| 3 years | $-7,367 |
| 5 years | $-3,829 |
| 7 years | $-291 |
| 9 years | $3,247 |
| 11 years | $6,785 |
| 13 years | $10,323 |
| 15 years | $13,861 |
| 17 years | $17,399 |
| 19 years | $20,937 |
| 21 years | $24,475 |
| 23 years | $28,013 |
| 25 years | $31,551 |
Top Solar Installers in Townsend
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over time.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Townsend
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Townsend
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Townsend: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $4,060. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Townsend offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Townsend, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Townsend are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $20,286 | 11.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $27,503 | 11.4 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $34,948 | 11.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $42,619 | 11.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $50,518 | 10.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $58,644 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $66,998 | 10.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $75,579 | 10.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before making your decision.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Townsend, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Townsend?
The average cost of solar panels in Townsend 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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Townsend?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Townsend is currently $453,306, so you could be looking at a value of about $18,586 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Townsend is a rewarding investment.
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 decreases 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.