Solar Panel Cost Guide in Winchendon, MA (Mar 2023)
- Winchendon Solar Installation Cost: $9,220
- 25-Year Savings: $17,872
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Winchendon
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Winchendon.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Winchendon, the average cost of solar panels is 2.94 per watt. The average Winchendon homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,220 with the federal tax credit, or $13,185 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Winchendon homeowners see about $23,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Winchendon for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Winchendon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,136 |
| 3 years | $-5,969 |
| 5 years | $-3,802 |
| 7 years | $-1,634 |
| 9 years | $533 |
| 11 years | $2,700 |
| 13 years | $4,868 |
| 15 years | $7,035 |
| 17 years | $9,202 |
| 19 years | $11,370 |
| 21 years | $13,537 |
| 23 years | $15,704 |
| 25 years | $17,872 |
Top Solar Installers in Winchendon
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra time and handiness. That's why most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Winchendon, therefore optimizing your ROI.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Winchendon:
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 Winchendon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Winchendon
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Winchendon: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels 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 production 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 $2,940. The 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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Winchendon average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Winchendon homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Winchendon homeowners, they can also add to 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
The solar panel installation company you choose will influence your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for 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 | $23,459 | 8.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $31,608 | 8.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $39,921 | 8.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $48,399 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $57,042 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $65,850 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $74,822 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $83,958 | 7.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
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 Winchendon, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Winchendon?
The average cost of solar panels in Winchendon is about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Winchendon?
A solar panel system isn't free in Winchendon, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Winchendon, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.