Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westford, MA (Mar 2023)
- Westford Solar Installation Cost: $9,179
- 25-Year Savings: $15,348
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westford
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Westford.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Westford is 2.94 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Westford is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,179 for a solar installation, or $13,126 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Westford can save about $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Westford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,198 |
| 3 years | $-6,236 |
| 5 years | $-4,273 |
| 7 years | $-2,311 |
| 9 years | $-349 |
| 11 years | $1,613 |
| 13 years | $3,575 |
| 15 years | $5,537 |
| 17 years | $7,499 |
| 19 years | $9,461 |
| 21 years | $11,423 |
| 23 years | $13,385 |
| 25 years | $15,348 |
Top Solar Installers in Westford
Installing solar panels on your own can be a difficult undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels 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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Westford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westford
For many Westford homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Westford, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,940 per kilowatt in Westford. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Westford offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Westford homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Westford, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Westford, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Westford?
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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Westford?
A solar panel system isn't free in Westford, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Is it worth going solar in Westford?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Westford?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.