Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cambridge, MA (2023 Update)
- Cambridge Solar Installation Cost: $9,179
- 25-Year Savings: $18,339
- Payback Period: 8.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cambridge
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Cambridge.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Cambridge is 2.94 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $9,179 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will look different based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $23,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cambridge
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,078 |
| 3 years | $-5,877 |
| 5 years | $-3,675 |
| 7 years | $-1,474 |
| 9 years | $728 |
| 11 years | $2,929 |
| 13 years | $5,131 |
| 15 years | $7,332 |
| 17 years | $9,533 |
| 19 years | $11,735 |
| 21 years | $13,936 |
| 23 years | $16,138 |
| 25 years | $18,339 |
Top Solar Installers in Cambridge
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be hard. Plus, if you're not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're searching for a solar company in Cambridge, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Cambridge
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cambridge
There are several factors that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Cambridge, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, 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 | $24,182 | 8.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $32,572 | 8.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $41,126 | 8.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $49,846 | 8.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $58,729 | 8.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $67,778 | 7.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $76,991 | 7.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $86,369 | 7.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Cambridge, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cambridge?
The average cost of solar panels in Cambridge is about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Cambridge?
A solar panel system isn't free in Cambridge, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is it worth going solar in Cambridge?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power 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 buy 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.