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

  • Northbridge Solar Installation Cost: $12,726
  • 25-Year Savings: $16,709
  • Payback Period: 12.3 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 Northbridge

Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Northbridge.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Northbridge, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Northbridge, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,726, or $18,198 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

How much you pay can be above or below the average in Northbridge depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Northbridge homeowner can save around $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.

To get a free estimate from a top solar installation company in Northbridge, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Northbridge

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,002
3 years $-7,556
5 years $-4,109
7 years $-662
9 years $2,785
11 years $6,232
13 years $9,679
15 years $13,126
17 years $16,572
19 years $20,019
21 years $23,466
23 years $26,913
25 years $30,360

Top Solar Installers in Northbridge

Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and knowledge. That's why most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over time.

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 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 Northbridge

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Northbridge

There are several factors that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Northbridge, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Northbridge are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 $17,003 12.8 years
8 kW $4.14 $23,191 $23,125 12.5 years
10 kW $4.06 $28,420 $29,475 12.3 years
12 kW $3.98 $33,422 $36,052 12.0 years
14 kW $3.90 $38,196 $42,856 11.8 years
16 kW $3.82 $42,744 $49,888 11.5 years
18 kW $3.74 $47,064 $57,147 11.3 years
20 kW $3.65 $51,156 $64,634 11.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
  • Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although 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 ask for their list of options before making your decision.

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 Northbridge, MA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Northbridge?

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 needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?

Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?

It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Northbridge, 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 check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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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