Solar Panel Cost Guide in Turners Falls, MA (2024 Update)
- Turners Falls Solar Installation Cost: $12,864
- 25-Year Savings: $15,285
- Payback Period: 13.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Turners Falls
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Turners Falls.
In Turners Falls, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Turners Falls homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,864 with the federal tax credit, or $18,396 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Turners Falls, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Turners Falls
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,141 |
| 3 years | $-7,694 |
| 5 years | $-4,247 |
| 7 years | $-800 |
| 9 years | $2,647 |
| 11 years | $6,093 |
| 13 years | $9,540 |
| 15 years | $12,987 |
| 17 years | $16,434 |
| 19 years | $19,881 |
| 21 years | $23,328 |
| 23 years | $26,775 |
| 25 years | $30,222 |
Top Solar Installers in Turners Falls
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
See all of the solar companies in Turners Falls
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Turners Falls
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Turners Falls is $12,864, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $4,060 per kilowatt in Turners Falls.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Turners Falls, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Turners Falls to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.It’s wise to add 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
The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Turners Falls, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Companies that 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 decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is 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 | $14,875 | 13.6 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $20,287 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $25,928 | 13.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $31,795 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $37,890 | 12.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $44,213 | 12.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $50,762 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $57,539 | 11.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will influence 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 a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
EcoWatch's Turners Falls, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Turners Falls?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Turners Falls?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically 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 get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Turners Falls?
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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.