Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wilbraham, MA (2024 Update)
- Wilbraham Solar Installation Cost: $12,716
- 25-Year Savings: $15,724
- Payback Period: 12.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wilbraham
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Wilbraham.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Wilbraham generally cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $12,716 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Wilbraham based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Wilbraham homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Wilbraham for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Wilbraham
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,992 |
| 3 years | $-7,545 |
| 5 years | $-4,098 |
| 7 years | $-651 |
| 9 years | $2,795 |
| 11 years | $6,242 |
| 13 years | $9,689 |
| 15 years | $13,136 |
| 17 years | $16,583 |
| 19 years | $20,030 |
| 21 years | $23,477 |
| 23 years | $26,923 |
| 25 years | $30,370 |
Top Solar Installers in Wilbraham
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra energy and knowledge. That's why almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies provide can be useful as well, especially if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Wilbraham:
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Wilbraham
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wilbraham
The cost of installing a solar system in Wilbraham can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production 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.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Wilbraham homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can play a part in determining how much you pay. Wilbraham’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $15,700 | 13.3 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $21,388 | 13.0 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $27,303 | 12.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $33,446 | 12.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $39,816 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $46,414 | 12.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $53,238 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $60,291 | 11.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of 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.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Wilbraham, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Wilbraham?
The average cost of solar panels in Wilbraham 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 stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for 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 solar panels."
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 amount of 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.
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.