Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westfield, MA (2023 Update)
- Westfield Solar Installation Cost: $9,208
- 25-Year Savings: $13,533
- Payback Period: 10.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westfield
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Westfield.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Westfield typically cost around 2.94. Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $9,199 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $19,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Westfield find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Westfield that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Westfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,132 |
| 3 years | $-8,980 |
| 5 years | $-8,829 |
| 7 years | $-8,677 |
| 9 years | $-8,526 |
| 11 years | $-8,374 |
| 13 years | $-8,222 |
| 15 years | $-8,071 |
| 17 years | $-7,919 |
| 19 years | $-7,768 |
| 21 years | $-7,616 |
| 23 years | $-7,464 |
| 25 years | $-7,313 |
Top Solar Installers in Westfield
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra effort and knowledge. That's why most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Westfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westfield
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Westfield: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss 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 main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation require 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. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Westfield, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Westfield homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $17,654 | 10.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $23,868 | 10.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $30,247 | 10.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $36,791 | 9.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $43,498 | 9.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $50,371 | 9.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $57,408 | 9.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $64,610 | 9.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable 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 verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Westfield, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Westfield?
The average cost of solar panels in Westfield is about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Westfield?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.