Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westminster, MA (Mar 2023)
- Westminster Solar Installation Cost: $9,220
- 25-Year Savings: $18,455
- Payback Period: 8.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westminster
We go over average solar pricing in Westminster.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Westminster typically cost around 2.94. The average solar panel system size in Westminster is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,220 for a solar installation, or $13,185 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 needs, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $23,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Westminster that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Westminster
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,113 |
| 3 years | $-5,899 |
| 5 years | $-3,685 |
| 7 years | $-1,471 |
| 9 years | $743 |
| 11 years | $2,957 |
| 13 years | $5,171 |
| 15 years | $7,385 |
| 17 years | $9,599 |
| 19 years | $11,813 |
| 21 years | $14,027 |
| 23 years | $16,241 |
| 25 years | $18,455 |
Top Solar Installers in Westminster
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. 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
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 Westminster
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westminster
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Westminster: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,940 per kilowatt in Westminster. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Westminster, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's crucial to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $24,241 | 8.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $32,650 | 8.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $41,224 | 8.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $49,963 | 8.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $58,867 | 8.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $67,935 | 7.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $77,167 | 7.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $86,565 | 7.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you hire.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and 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 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 Westminster, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Westminster?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 other solar equipment or more efficient 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 less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Westminster?
A solar panel system isn't free in Westminster, 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.
Does Westminster have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last in Westminster?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to 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.