Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wilbraham, MA (2023 Update)
- Wilbraham Solar Installation Cost: $9,199
- 25-Year Savings: $15,732
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wilbraham
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Wilbraham.
In Wilbraham, solar panels cost about 2.94 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $9,199 before the 30% federal solar 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 solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $21,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Wilbraham find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Wilbraham
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,202 |
| 3 years | $-6,207 |
| 5 years | $-4,213 |
| 7 years | $-2,218 |
| 9 years | $-224 |
| 11 years | $1,771 |
| 13 years | $3,765 |
| 15 years | $5,760 |
| 17 years | $7,754 |
| 19 years | $9,749 |
| 21 years | $11,743 |
| 23 years | $13,738 |
| 25 years | $15,732 |
Top Solar Installers in Wilbraham
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Wilbraham
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wilbraham
For many Wilbraham homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Wilbraham, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Wilbraham average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Wilbraham homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Wilbraham is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $20,592 | 9.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $27,785 | 9.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $35,143 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $42,666 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $50,353 | 8.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $58,205 | 8.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $66,221 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $74,403 | 8.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds 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:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you'd like to install plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Wilbraham, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Wilbraham?
The average cost of solar panels in Wilbraham is about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Wilbraham?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Wilbraham is currently $301,700, which means you could be looking at a value of about $12,370 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Wilbraham is a worthwhile investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though 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 decide to replace them once you've had 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.