Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westwood, MA (2025 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.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Westwood, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Westwood is around 4.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,529 for a solar installation, or $17,916 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Westwood homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Westwood homeowner can save about $22,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To get a free estimate from a top solar company in Westwood, you can 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
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. Because solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Westwood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westwood
For many Westwood homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Westwood, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation 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.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Westwood to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Westwood, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price 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 choose a 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
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panel system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
EcoWatch's Westwood, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Westwood?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Westwood?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Does Westwood 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 offer you credit toward your future power bills.
What solar power system size is right for 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 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 account for 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.