Solar Panel Cost Guide in Winchendon, MA (2024 Update)
- Winchendon Solar Installation Cost: $12,726
- 25-Year Savings: $17,876
- Payback Period: 11.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Winchendon
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Winchendon.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Winchendon generally cost about 4.Since a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Winchendon, the average price of going solar will be about $12,726 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Winchendon homeowner can save about $23,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Winchendon for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Winchendon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,991 |
| 3 years | $-7,521 |
| 5 years | $-4,052 |
| 7 years | $-582 |
| 9 years | $2,887 |
| 11 years | $6,357 |
| 13 years | $9,827 |
| 15 years | $13,296 |
| 17 years | $16,766 |
| 19 years | $20,236 |
| 21 years | $23,705 |
| 23 years | $27,175 |
| 25 years | $30,645 |
Top Solar Installers in Winchendon
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Winchendon, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
See all of the solar companies in Winchendon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Winchendon
The cost of installing a solar system in Winchendon can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Winchendon homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Winchendon, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.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 come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits 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 | $18,567 | 12.2 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $25,210 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $32,081 | 11.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $39,180 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $46,505 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $54,058 | 11.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $61,839 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $69,846 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will be a major factor in determining 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 consider, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panels, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
EcoWatch's Winchendon, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Winchendon?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Winchendon?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often 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.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Winchendon, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Winchendon?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.