Solar Panel Cost Guide in Upton, MA (Mar 2023)

  • Upton Solar Installation Cost: $9,220
  • 25-Year Savings: $16,794
  • Payback Period: 8.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Upton

Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels 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. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Upton, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $9,220, or $13,185 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you may look different based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a personalized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Upton

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-8,179
3 years $-6,098
5 years $-4,017
7 years $-1,936
9 years $145
11 years $2,226
13 years $4,307
15 years $6,388
17 years $8,470
19 years $10,551
21 years $12,632
23 years $14,713
25 years $16,794

Top Solar Installers in Upton

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installer since handling can be a difficult project. Another perk of going with a solar company is that they can help you maximize your investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

See all of the solar companies in Upton

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Upton

The cost of installing a solar system in Upton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.

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. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Upton to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can affect the cost. Upton's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies 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 with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for 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 $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 a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Warranty: If you're worried about the durability of your solar panel system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which model 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 take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

EcoWatch's Upton, MA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Upton?

The average cost of solar panels in Upton is about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in Upton?

You can't get solar panels for free in Upton. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Upton?

Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

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 larger 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.

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