Solar Panel Cost Guide in Winchester, MA (Mar 2023)
- Winchester Solar Installation Cost: $9,179
- 25-Year Savings: $16,835
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Winchester
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Winchester.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Winchester typically cost around 2.94. The average Winchester homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,179 with the federal tax credit, or $13,126 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with. Even with the high initial cost, the average Winchester homeowner can save about $22,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Winchester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,138 |
| 3 years | $-6,057 |
| 5 years | $-3,976 |
| 7 years | $-1,895 |
| 9 years | $186 |
| 11 years | $2,267 |
| 13 years | $4,348 |
| 15 years | $6,430 |
| 17 years | $8,511 |
| 19 years | $10,592 |
| 21 years | $12,673 |
| 23 years | $14,754 |
| 25 years | $16,835 |
Top Solar Installers in Winchester
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers provide can be useful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Winchester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Winchester
While the average cost of a solar system in Winchester is $9,179, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,940. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to get 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
Most solar installers in Winchester have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's crucial to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Winchester is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you'll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $3.06 | $12,842 | $22,159 | 9.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $29,874 | 9.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $37,754 | 8.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $45,799 | 8.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $54,008 | 8.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $62,382 | 8.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $70,921 | 8.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $79,624 | 7.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Winchester, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings 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 Winchester, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Winchester?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Winchester?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Winchester?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Winchester?
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 amount 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.