Solar Panel Cost Guide in Worcester, MA (2024 Update)
- Worcester Solar Installation Cost: $12,726
- 25-Year Savings: $15,454
- Payback Period: 12.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Worcester
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Worcester.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Worcester is 4 per watt.Because a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Worcester, the average price of going solar will be about $12,726 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Worcester, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Worcester
| 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 Worcester
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another perk of going with a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers 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 Worcester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Worcester
Though the average cost of a solar system in Worcester is $12,726, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,060.The brand and type 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 will be looking at 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 raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Worcester to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Worcester homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Worcester, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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 | $15,321 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $20,883 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $26,672 | 12.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $32,689 | 12.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $38,932 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $45,404 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $52,102 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $59,028 | 11.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Worcester, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Worcester?
The average cost of solar panels in Worcester 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Worcester?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Worcester. 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 prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Worcester?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power 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 install 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.