Solar Panel Cost Guide in Shrewsbury, MA (2024 Update)
- Shrewsbury Solar Installation Cost: $12,726
- 25-Year Savings: $14,199
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Shrewsbury
We break down average solar pricing in Shrewsbury.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Shrewsbury, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Because a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Shrewsbury, the average price of going solar will be about $12,726 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $20,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Shrewsbury find installing solar panels can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Shrewsbury for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Shrewsbury
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,430 |
| 3 years | $-8,837 |
| 5 years | $-6,245 |
| 7 years | $-3,653 |
| 9 years | $-1,060 |
| 11 years | $1,532 |
| 13 years | $4,124 |
| 15 years | $6,717 |
| 17 years | $9,309 |
| 19 years | $11,902 |
| 21 years | $14,494 |
| 23 years | $17,086 |
| 25 years | $19,679 |
Top Solar Installers in Shrewsbury
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers offer can be valuable as well, especially if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Shrewsbury:
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 Shrewsbury
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Shrewsbury
Although the average cost of a solar system in Shrewsbury is $12,726, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Shrewsbury, one of the most crucial 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 usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Further, 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 searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Shrewsbury to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $13,639 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $18,641 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $23,869 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $29,325 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $35,008 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $40,919 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $47,057 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $53,422 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
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 Shrewsbury, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Shrewsbury?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will be more expensive 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 want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Shrewsbury?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Shrewsbury. 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 Shrewsbury have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
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 decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount 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.