Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westminster, MA (2024 Update)

  • Westminster Solar Installation Cost: $12,726
  • 25-Year Savings: $18,460
  • Payback Period: 11.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westminster

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Westminster.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Westminster, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Westminster, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,726, or $18,198 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely look different based on your energy needs and what company you go with.With average savings of about $23,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Westminster find going solar can pay off big.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Westminster for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Westminster

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,957
3 years $-7,419
5 years $-3,881
7 years $-343
9 years $3,195
11 years $6,733
13 years $10,271
15 years $13,809
17 years $17,347
19 years $20,885
21 years $24,423
23 years $27,961
25 years $31,499

Top Solar Installers in Westminster

Installing solar panels by yourself can be a challenging task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another great thing about choosing a reliable solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.

If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Westminster

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westminster

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Westminster: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $4,060 per kilowatt in Westminster.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Westminster provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Westminster is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Additionally, some companies in Westminster are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

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 $19,349 12.0 years
8 kW $4.14 $23,191 $26,253 11.7 years
10 kW $4.06 $28,420 $33,384 11.5 years
12 kW $3.98 $33,422 $40,743 11.3 years
14 kW $3.90 $38,196 $48,330 11.0 years
16 kW $3.82 $42,744 $56,143 10.8 years
18 kW $3.74 $47,064 $64,184 10.6 years
20 kW $3.65 $51,156 $72,453 10.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies to choose from in Westminster, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
  • Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Westminster, MA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Westminster?

The average cost of solar panels in Westminster is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Does Westminster have a net metering program?

Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level 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.

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