Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carlisle, MA (2023 Update)
- Carlisle Solar Installation Cost: $12,674
- 25-Year Savings: $16,821
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Updated October 25, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carlisle
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Carlisle.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Carlisle it's 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.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Carlisle depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Carlisle for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Carlisle
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,950 |
| 3 years | $-7,503 |
| 5 years | $-4,057 |
| 7 years | $-610 |
| 9 years | $2,837 |
| 11 years | $6,284 |
| 13 years | $9,731 |
| 15 years | $13,178 |
| 17 years | $16,625 |
| 19 years | $20,072 |
| 21 years | $23,518 |
| 23 years | $26,965 |
| 25 years | $30,412 |
Top Solar Installers in Carlisle
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your family.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Carlisle, the EcoWatch team has compiled 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 Carlisle
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carlisle
There are many factors that can influence your solar panel 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
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,940 per kilowatt in Carlisle.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Carlisle to be prohibitively expensive, 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 for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.It's wise to add 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $17,246 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $23,449 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $29,880 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $36,538 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $43,424 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $50,536 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $57,876 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $65,444 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- 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 substantial role in the company you opt for.
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 Carlisle, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Carlisle?
The average cost of solar panels in Carlisle is about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like 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 Carlisle?
Solar panels aren't free in Carlisle, 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.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,166.00 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Carlisle?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.