Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westwood, MA (Mar 2023)
- Westwood Solar Installation Cost: $9,076
- 25-Year Savings: $16,358
- Payback Period: 8.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westwood
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar 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 2.94 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 4.4-kW system would cost about $9,076 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. 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 benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in Westwood for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Westwood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,058 |
| 3 years | $-6,024 |
| 5 years | $-3,989 |
| 7 years | $-1,954 |
| 9 years | $80 |
| 11 years | $2,115 |
| 13 years | $4,150 |
| 15 years | $6,184 |
| 17 years | $8,219 |
| 19 years | $10,254 |
| 21 years | $12,289 |
| 23 years | $14,323 |
| 25 years | $16,358 |
Top Solar Installers in Westwood
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Westwood, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Westwood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westwood
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Westwood: 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 important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar 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 Westwood. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Westwood, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Westwood is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. 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 cost more. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $3.06 | $12,842 | $21,772 | 9.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $29,359 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $37,110 | 8.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $45,026 | 8.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $53,107 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $61,352 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $69,762 | 8.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $78,336 | 8.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Westwood, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, 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 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 Westwood, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Westwood?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Westwood?
You can't get solar panels for free in Westwood. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property's 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 a solar system."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.