Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chelsea, MA (2024 Update)
- Chelsea Solar Installation Cost: $12,487
- 25-Year Savings: $16,971
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chelsea
We go over average solar pricing in Chelsea.
In Chelsea, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Chelsea is around 4.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,487 for a solar installation, or $17,856 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Chelsea depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $22,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a top solar installation company in Chelsea, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chelsea
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,764 |
| 3 years | $-7,317 |
| 5 years | $-3,870 |
| 7 years | $-423 |
| 9 years | $3,023 |
| 11 years | $6,470 |
| 13 years | $9,917 |
| 15 years | $13,364 |
| 17 years | $16,811 |
| 19 years | $20,258 |
| 21 years | $23,705 |
| 23 years | $27,152 |
| 25 years | $30,598 |
Top Solar Installers in Chelsea
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Chelsea
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chelsea
The cost of installing a solar system in Chelsea can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Chelsea, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can play a part in determining how much you pay. Chelsea’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $4.22 | $17,734 | $17,788 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $24,172 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $30,784 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $37,623 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $44,689 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $51,983 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $59,503 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $67,252 | 10.8 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 pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Chelsea, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chelsea?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Chelsea?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Chelsea. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Chelsea have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Chelsea?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had 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.