Solar Panel Cost Guide in Great Barrington, MA (2024 Update)
- Great Barrington Solar Installation Cost: $12,836
- 25-Year Savings: $15,968
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Great Barrington
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Great Barrington.
In Great Barrington, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Great Barrington is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,836 for a solar installation, or $18,355 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Great Barrington for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Great Barrington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,113 |
| 3 years | $-7,666 |
| 5 years | $-4,219 |
| 7 years | $-772 |
| 9 years | $2,675 |
| 11 years | $6,122 |
| 13 years | $9,569 |
| 15 years | $13,016 |
| 17 years | $16,462 |
| 19 years | $19,909 |
| 21 years | $23,356 |
| 23 years | $26,803 |
| 25 years | $30,250 |
Top Solar Installers in Great Barrington
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Plus, if you’re unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
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 in Great Barrington:
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 Great Barrington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Great Barrington
The cost of installing a solar system in Great Barrington can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $4,060. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Great Barrington average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Great Barrington is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $15,826 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $21,556 | 13.0 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $27,513 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $33,698 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $40,110 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $46,750 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $53,616 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $60,711 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
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 Great Barrington, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Great Barrington?
The average cost of solar panels in Great Barrington 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Great Barrington?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually 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 making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many 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 pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.