Solar Panel Cost Guide in Southwick, MA (2024 Update)
- Southwick Solar Installation Cost: $12,716
- 25-Year Savings: $14,337
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Southwick
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Southwick.
In Southwick, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Since a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Southwick, the average price of going solar will be about $12,716 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Southwick can save around $20,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Southwick
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,682 |
| 3 years | $-9,614 |
| 5 years | $-7,547 |
| 7 years | $-5,479 |
| 9 years | $-3,412 |
| 11 years | $-1,344 |
| 13 years | $724 |
| 15 years | $2,791 |
| 17 years | $4,859 |
| 19 years | $6,926 |
| 21 years | $8,994 |
| 23 years | $11,061 |
| 25 years | $13,129 |
Top Solar Installers in Southwick
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 Southwick
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Southwick
The cost of installing a solar system in Southwick can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by 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
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Southwick average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Southwick to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will influence your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Southwick are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 | $13,841 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $18,909 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $24,205 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $29,728 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $35,478 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $41,456 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $47,661 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $54,093 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Southwick, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, 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.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Southwick, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Southwick?
The average cost of solar panels in Southwick is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Southwick?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Southwick, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Southwick?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How long do solar panels last in Southwick?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely 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 continue to use 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.