Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westford, MA (2024 Update)
- Westford Solar Installation Cost: $12,674
- 25-Year Savings: $15,349
- Payback Period: 12.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westford
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Westford.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Westford, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Westford is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,674 for a solar installation, or $18,124 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Westford depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in Westford, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Westford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,950 |
| 3 years | $-7,503 |
| 5 years | $-4,057 |
| 7 years | $-610 |
| 9 years | $2,837 |
| 11 years | $6,284 |
| 13 years | $9,731 |
| 15 years | $13,178 |
| 17 years | $16,625 |
| 19 years | $20,072 |
| 21 years | $23,518 |
| 23 years | $26,965 |
| 25 years | $30,412 |
Top Solar Installers in Westford
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over time.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
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 comes down to 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 several factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,060.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, 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 searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Westford homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Westford homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Westford, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and better 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 lower to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.22 | $17,734 | $15,265 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $20,808 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $26,578 | 12.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $32,576 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $38,801 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $45,254 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $51,934 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $58,841 | 11.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose considerably impacts 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:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, 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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Westford, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Westford?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, 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?
Solar panels aren’t free in Westford, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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.