Calculating Costs

Types of Solar Electric Systems
Advantages and Disadvantages of Photovoltaics
Current State of Solar Power in Massachusetts and Berkshire County
Financial Incentives

A residential solar electric system typically costs between $10 and $12 per installed watt. A 1-kilowatt (kW) system would generally cost between $10,000 and $12,000.

In the Berkshires, a 1-kilowatt solar panel will generate around 1000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year. You should determine what size solar electric system you want to install based on your electrical needs and the amount of money you are willing to spend. An average household uses between 3600 and 7200 kilowatt hours per year, so a 1 kilowatt panel would cover between an eighth and a quarter of an average household’s electrical needs. A household that uses all energy efficient appliances and lighting would use closer to 2400 kilowatt hours per year.