Solar Panel Cost Guide in Somerset, MA (2024 Update)
- Somerset Solar Installation Cost: $12,302
- 25-Year Savings: $30,784
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Somerset
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Somerset.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Somerset it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Somerset is around 4.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,302 for a solar installation, or $17,592 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
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 consumption, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $23,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in Somerset, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Somerset
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,579 |
| 3 years | $-7,132 |
| 5 years | $-3,685 |
| 7 years | $-238 |
| 9 years | $3,209 |
| 11 years | $6,656 |
| 13 years | $10,103 |
| 15 years | $13,550 |
| 17 years | $16,996 |
| 19 years | $20,443 |
| 21 years | $23,890 |
| 23 years | $27,337 |
| 25 years | $30,784 |
Top Solar Installers in Somerset
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance in the long run.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Somerset
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Somerset
The cost of installing a solar system in Somerset can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $4,060. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Somerset homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining how much you pay. Somerset’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and bulk 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 lower 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 | $18,200 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $24,721 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $31,470 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $38,446 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $45,649 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $53,080 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $60,738 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $68,624 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many 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:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
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 Somerset, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Somerset?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Somerset?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 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.