Solar Panel Cost Guide in Walpole, MA (2024 Update)
- Walpole Solar Installation Cost: $12,529
- 25-Year Savings: $16,636
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Walpole
We go over average solar pricing in Walpole.
In Walpole, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Walpole, most homeowners require a 4.4-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,529, or $17,916 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Walpole homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $22,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Walpole find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar company in Walpole, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Walpole
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,847 |
| 3 years | $-7,481 |
| 5 years | $-4,116 |
| 7 years | $-750 |
| 9 years | $2,615 |
| 11 years | $5,981 |
| 13 years | $9,346 |
| 15 years | $12,712 |
| 17 years | $16,077 |
| 19 years | $19,442 |
| 21 years | $22,808 |
| 23 years | $26,173 |
| 25 years | $29,539 |
Top Solar Installers in Walpole
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra labor and handiness. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Walpole, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Walpole
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Walpole
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Walpole: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over 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 notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,060.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Walpole average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Walpole homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can influence how much it costs. Walpole’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to 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 | $4.22 | $17,734 | $17,254 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $23,461 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $29,894 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $36,555 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $43,443 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $50,559 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $57,902 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $65,472 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Walpole, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Walpole?
The average cost of solar panels in Walpole 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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Walpole?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually 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 way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably 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 solar panels."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.