Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ayer, MA (Jan 2023)
- Ayer Solar Installation Cost: $9,179
- 25-Year Savings: $15,276
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated January 20, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ayer
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Ayer.
The average cost of solar panels in Ayer is $3 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Ayer, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $9,179, or $6,792 after the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Ayer based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ayer
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,200 |
| 3 years | $-6,244 |
| 5 years | $-4,288 |
| 7 years | $-2,331 |
| 9 years | $-375 |
| 11 years | $1,581 |
| 13 years | $3,538 |
| 15 years | $5,494 |
| 17 years | $7,451 |
| 19 years | $9,407 |
| 21 years | $11,363 |
| 23 years | $13,320 |
| 25 years | $15,276 |
Top Solar Installers in Ayer
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a stressful project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for you.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Ayer:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Ayer
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ayer
For many Ayer homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Ayer, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Ayer, 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 more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Ayer homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Ayer homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. 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 final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Ayer, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $3.06 | $12,842 | $20,061 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $27,077 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $34,258 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $41,604 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $49,114 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $56,789 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $64,628 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $72,632 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will influence 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 several important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Ayer, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ayer?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Ayer?
You can't get solar panels for free in Ayer. 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.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Ayer, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Ayer?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.