Solar Panel Cost Guide in Winchester, MA (2023 Update)
- Winchester Solar Installation Cost: $9,178
- 25-Year Savings: $16,836
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Winchester
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Winchester.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Winchester generally cost about 2.94. The average solar panel system size in Winchester is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,179 for a solar installation, or $13,126 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 may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $22,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Winchester find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar company in Winchester, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Winchester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,091 |
| 3 years | $-8,917 |
| 5 years | $-8,744 |
| 7 years | $-8,571 |
| 9 years | $-8,397 |
| 11 years | $-8,224 |
| 13 years | $-8,050 |
| 15 years | $-7,877 |
| 17 years | $-7,703 |
| 19 years | $-7,530 |
| 21 years | $-7,357 |
| 23 years | $-7,183 |
| 25 years | $-7,010 |
Top Solar Installers in Winchester
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
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 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 Winchester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Winchester
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Winchester: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
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. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Winchester have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher 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 estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Winchester is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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 | $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 solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- 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.
- 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: When reading through 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 like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Winchester, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Winchester?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Winchester?
You can't get solar panels for free in Winchester. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,166.68 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even 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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having 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.