Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westborough, MA (2024 Update)
- Westborough Solar Installation Cost: $12,726
- 25-Year Savings: $30,360
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westborough
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Westborough.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Westborough it’s 4 per watt.The average Westborough homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,726 with the federal tax credit, or $18,198 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Westborough based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To get a free quote from a top solar company in Westborough, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Westborough
| 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 Westborough
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar company too, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Westborough
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westborough
The cost of installing a solar system in Westborough can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,060.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Westborough, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Westborough offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Westborough, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $15,081 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $20,562 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $26,271 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $32,208 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $38,371 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $44,762 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $51,381 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $58,226 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar panels, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like 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 Westborough, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Westborough?
The average cost of solar panels in Westborough 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Westborough?
Solar panels aren’t free in Westborough, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Does Westborough have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 average daily 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.