Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Springfield Town, MA (2023 Update)
- West Springfield Town Solar Installation Cost: $9,208
- 25-Year Savings: $13,094
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Springfield Town
We go over average solar pricing in West Springfield Town.
The average cost of a solar system in West Springfield Town is 2.94 per watt. The average solar panel system size in West Springfield Town is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,199 for a solar installation, or $13,155 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in West Springfield Town depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Despite the high upfront cost, the average West Springfield Town homeowner can save around $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Springfield Town
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,307 |
| 3 years | $-6,506 |
| 5 years | $-4,705 |
| 7 years | $-2,904 |
| 9 years | $-1,103 |
| 11 years | $698 |
| 13 years | $2,499 |
| 15 years | $4,300 |
| 17 years | $6,101 |
| 19 years | $7,902 |
| 21 years | $9,703 |
| 23 years | $11,504 |
| 25 years | $13,305 |
Top Solar Installers in West Springfield Town
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. In addition, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, going with a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
If you're looking for a solar installer in West Springfield Town, we've compiled 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 West Springfield Town
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Springfield Town
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in West Springfield Town: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in West Springfield Town, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,940 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in West Springfield Town, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. 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 interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can influence the cost. West Springfield Town's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that 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 at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits 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 | $3.06 | $12,842 | $17,065 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $23,083 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $29,265 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $35,612 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $42,123 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $48,800 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $55,640 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $62,646 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion 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
EcoWatch's West Springfield Town, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Springfield Town?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in West Springfield Town?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout West Springfield Town, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.