Solar Panel Cost Guide in Auburn, MA (2023 Update)
- Auburn Solar Installation Cost: $9,220
- 25-Year Savings: $16,705
- Payback Period: 8.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Auburn
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Auburn.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Auburn typically cost about 2.94. The average Auburn homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,220 with the federal tax credit, or $13,185 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Auburn depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Auburn for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Auburn
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,183 |
| 3 years | $-6,109 |
| 5 years | $-4,035 |
| 7 years | $-1,961 |
| 9 years | $113 |
| 11 years | $2,187 |
| 13 years | $4,261 |
| 15 years | $6,335 |
| 17 years | $8,409 |
| 19 years | $10,483 |
| 21 years | $12,557 |
| 23 years | $14,631 |
| 25 years | $16,705 |
Top Solar Installers in Auburn
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a stressful task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you're not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Auburn
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Auburn
There are several criteria that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Auburn, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,940 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Auburn to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Auburn homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can affect your pricing. Auburn's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more 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 discount can bring their pricing down 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 | $3.06 | $12,842 | $21,895 | 9.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $29,523 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $37,315 | 8.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $45,272 | 8.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $53,393 | 8.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $61,680 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $70,130 | 8.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $78,746 | 8.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Auburn, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Auburn, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Auburn?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Auburn?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Auburn is currently $264,400, which means you could be looking at a value of about $10,840 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Auburn is a fruitful investment.
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 larger 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.