Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westborough, MA (2023 Update)
- Westborough Solar Installation Cost: $9,220
- 25-Year Savings: $15,270
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westborough
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in Westborough.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Westborough typically cost about 2.94. Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $9,220 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Westborough based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Even with the high upfront cost, the average Westborough homeowner can save about $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Westborough that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Westborough
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,240 |
| 3 years | $-6,281 |
| 5 years | $-4,322 |
| 7 years | $-2,363 |
| 9 years | $-404 |
| 11 years | $1,556 |
| 13 years | $3,515 |
| 15 years | $5,474 |
| 17 years | $7,433 |
| 19 years | $9,392 |
| 21 years | $11,352 |
| 23 years | $13,311 |
| 25 years | $15,270 |
Top Solar Installers in Westborough
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Westborough, 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 Westborough
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westborough
While the average cost of a solar system in Westborough is $9,220, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production 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. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Westborough average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Westborough homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Westborough homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Westborough is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced 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 choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is 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 | $19,973 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $26,960 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $34,111 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $41,427 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $48,908 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $56,554 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $64,364 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $72,338 | 8.5 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panel system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
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 Westborough, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Westborough?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Westborough?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Westborough?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.