Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Springfield Town, MA (2023 Update)

  • West Springfield Town Solar Installation Cost: $9,199
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,102
  • Payback Period: 10.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 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 West Springfield Town

We break down average solar pricing in West Springfield Town.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in West Springfield Town generally cost about 2.94. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in West Springfield Town, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $9,199, or $13,155 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in West Springfield Town

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-8,307
3 years $-6,523
5 years $-4,739
7 years $-2,955
9 years $-1,171
11 years $613
13 years $2,398
15 years $4,182
17 years $5,966
19 years $7,750
21 years $9,534
23 years $11,318
25 years $13,102

Top Solar Installers in West Springfield Town

Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and know-how. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Another advantage of using a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. 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 for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 West Springfield Town

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Springfield Town

The cost of installing a solar system in West Springfield Town can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation need 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. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for West Springfield Town homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in West Springfield Town, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various 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 with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for 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 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 for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

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.

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