Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fitchburg, MA (2024 Update)
- Fitchburg Solar Installation Cost: $12,726
- 25-Year Savings: $18,460
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fitchburg
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Fitchburg.
In Fitchburg, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $12,726 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Fitchburg homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $23,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Fitchburg find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Fitchburg, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fitchburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,957 |
| 3 years | $-7,419 |
| 5 years | $-3,881 |
| 7 years | $-343 |
| 9 years | $3,195 |
| 11 years | $6,733 |
| 13 years | $10,271 |
| 15 years | $13,809 |
| 17 years | $17,347 |
| 19 years | $20,885 |
| 21 years | $24,423 |
| 23 years | $27,961 |
| 25 years | $31,499 |
Top Solar Installers in Fitchburg
Installing solar panels on your own can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you aren’t sure what type 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 Fitchburg, 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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Fitchburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fitchburg
Although the average cost of a solar system in Fitchburg is $12,726, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately gauge 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 Fitchburg, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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 a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Fitchburg, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $19,349 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $26,253 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $33,384 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $40,743 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $48,330 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $56,143 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $64,184 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $72,453 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Fitchburg, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fitchburg?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Fitchburg?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of 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 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.