Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pittsfield, MA (2024 Update)
- Pittsfield Solar Installation Cost: $12,836
- 25-Year Savings: $15,637
- Payback Period: 12.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pittsfield
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Pittsfield.
In Pittsfield, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Because a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Pittsfield, the average price of going solar will be about $12,836 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Pittsfield depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Pittsfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,113 |
| 3 years | $-7,666 |
| 5 years | $-4,219 |
| 7 years | $-772 |
| 9 years | $2,675 |
| 11 years | $6,122 |
| 13 years | $9,569 |
| 15 years | $13,016 |
| 17 years | $16,462 |
| 19 years | $19,909 |
| 21 years | $23,356 |
| 23 years | $26,803 |
| 25 years | $30,250 |
Top Solar Installers in Pittsfield
When going solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Pittsfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pittsfield
The cost of installing a solar system in Pittsfield can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, 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 major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation require 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 get 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 come at a higher price 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 greater 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
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and better 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 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 | $15,386 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $20,970 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $26,781 | 12.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $32,819 | 12.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $39,084 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $45,577 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $52,297 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $59,245 | 11.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar energy system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Pittsfield, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Pittsfield?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Pittsfield?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Pittsfield. However, you may still be able to get 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 Pittsfield have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid 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.
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 level 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.