Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westford, MA (2023 Update)
- Westford Solar Installation Cost: $9,178
- 25-Year Savings: $15,349
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westford
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Westford.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Westford generally cost around 2.94. Because a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Westford, the average price of going solar will be about $9,179 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Westford based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Despite the high initial cost, the average Westford 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 Westford for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Westford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,454 |
| 3 years | $-4,007 |
| 5 years | $-560 |
| 7 years | $2,887 |
| 9 years | $6,333 |
| 11 years | $9,780 |
| 13 years | $13,227 |
| 15 years | $16,674 |
| 17 years | $20,121 |
| 19 years | $23,568 |
| 21 years | $27,015 |
| 23 years | $30,462 |
| 25 years | $33,908 |
Top Solar Installers in Westford
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra labor and know-how. Because of that, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Another benefit of using a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your return of investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Westford:
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 Westford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westford
There are many criteria that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Westford, 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 determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,940 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Westford provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. It's wise to add 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 back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Westford is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. 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 decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into 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 | $20,157 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $27,206 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $34,418 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $41,796 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $49,338 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $57,045 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $64,917 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $72,953 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Westford, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 Westford, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Westford?
The average cost of solar panels in Westford 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 like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Westford?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,099.97 per year.
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 stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.