Solar Panel Cost Guide in Burlington, MA (2024 Update)
- Burlington Solar Installation Cost: $12,674
- 25-Year Savings: $16,720
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Burlington
We break down average solar pricing in Burlington.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Burlington generally cost around 4.Because a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Burlington, the average price of going solar will be about $12,674 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Burlington homeowner can save around $22,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Burlington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,011 |
| 3 years | $-7,687 |
| 5 years | $-4,362 |
| 7 years | $-1,037 |
| 9 years | $2,288 |
| 11 years | $5,612 |
| 13 years | $8,937 |
| 15 years | $12,262 |
| 17 years | $15,587 |
| 19 years | $18,911 |
| 21 years | $22,236 |
| 23 years | $25,561 |
| 25 years | $28,886 |
Top Solar Installers in Burlington
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be challenging. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations 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 Burlington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Burlington
The cost of installing a solar system in Burlington can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest 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 size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $4,060. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Burlington to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Burlington is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $17,110 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $23,268 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $29,653 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $36,266 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $43,106 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $50,174 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $57,469 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $64,991 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Burlington, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Burlington?
The average cost of solar panels in Burlington 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 stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Burlington?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.