Solar Panel Cost Guide in Upton, MA (2023 Update)
- Upton Solar Installation Cost: $9,215
- 25-Year Savings: $16,799
- Payback Period: 8.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Upton
We go over average solar pricing in Upton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Upton, the average cost of a solar system is 2.94 per watt. The average Upton homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,220 with the federal tax credit, or $13,185 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Upton homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Upton can save around $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Upton that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Upton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,492 |
| 3 years | $-4,045 |
| 5 years | $-598 |
| 7 years | $2,849 |
| 9 years | $6,296 |
| 11 years | $9,742 |
| 13 years | $13,189 |
| 15 years | $16,636 |
| 17 years | $20,083 |
| 19 years | $23,530 |
| 21 years | $26,977 |
| 23 years | $30,424 |
| 25 years | $33,871 |
Top Solar Installers in Upton
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra energy and expertise. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're looking for a solar company in Upton, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Upton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Upton
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Upton: 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 cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production use 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 $2,940. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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 energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Upton average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Upton provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Upton, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $22,015 | 9.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $29,682 | 9.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $37,515 | 8.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $45,511 | 8.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $53,673 | 8.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $61,999 | 8.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $70,490 | 8.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $79,145 | 8.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Upton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the longevity of your solar energy system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before making your decision.
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 Upton, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Upton?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Upton?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Does Upton have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 cover 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.