Solar Panel Cost Guide in Winchester, MA (2024 Update)

  • Winchester Solar Installation Cost: $12,674
  • 25-Year Savings: $16,836
  • Payback Period: 12.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Winchester

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Winchester.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Winchester, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Winchester, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,674, or $18,124 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Winchester based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Winchester can save about $22,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

To get a free estimate from a top solar installer in Winchester, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Winchester

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,950
3 years $-7,503
5 years $-4,057
7 years $-610
9 years $2,837
11 years $6,284
13 years $9,731
15 years $13,178
17 years $16,625
19 years $20,072
21 years $23,518
23 years $26,965
25 years $30,412

Top Solar Installers in Winchester

Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be challenging. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, opting for a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.

If you're looking for a solar company in Winchester, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Winchester

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Winchester

There are many factors that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Winchester, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Winchester, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Winchester homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Winchester homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Winchester, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Winchester have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

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 $17,266 12.7 years
8 kW $4.14 $23,191 $23,477 12.4 years
10 kW $4.06 $28,420 $29,914 12.2 years
12 kW $3.98 $33,422 $36,579 11.9 years
14 kW $3.90 $38,196 $43,471 11.7 years
16 kW $3.82 $42,744 $50,591 11.4 years
18 kW $3.74 $47,064 $57,938 11.2 years
20 kW $3.65 $51,156 $65,512 11.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • 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 considerable role in the company you go with.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panel system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Winchester, MA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Winchester?

The average cost of solar panels in Winchester is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?

It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Winchester, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.

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