Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westwood, MA (2024 Update)
- Westwood Solar Installation Cost: $12,529
- 25-Year Savings: $16,361
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westwood
We break down average solar pricing in Westwood.
In Westwood, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Westwood homeowner needs a 4.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,529 with the federal tax credit, or $17,916 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Westwood homeowner can save around $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Westwood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,928 |
| 3 years | $-7,725 |
| 5 years | $-4,523 |
| 7 years | $-1,320 |
| 9 years | $1,882 |
| 11 years | $5,085 |
| 13 years | $8,288 |
| 15 years | $11,490 |
| 17 years | $14,693 |
| 19 years | $17,896 |
| 21 years | $21,098 |
| 23 years | $24,301 |
| 25 years | $27,503 |
Top Solar Installers in Westwood
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be hard. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance in the long run.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
See all of the solar companies in Westwood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westwood
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Westwood is $12,529, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,060.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Westwood average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Westwood to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you pick will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 is within 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 | $4.22 | $17,734 | $16,880 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $22,961 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $29,270 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $35,806 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $42,570 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $49,560 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $56,779 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $64,224 | 11.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
EcoWatch's Westwood, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Westwood?
The average cost of solar panels in Westwood 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 such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Westwood?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Does Westwood have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind 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 offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.