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

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fitchburg

Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Fitchburg.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Fitchburg typically cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $12,726 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Fitchburg can save about $23,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, 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

When going solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar company since handling can be a challenging project. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your family.

If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Fitchburg

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fitchburg

There are many factors that can play into your total 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

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Fitchburg, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Fitchburg average.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Fitchburg to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Fitchburg is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 $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

The solar company you choose will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:

  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard 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 clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Fitchburg, MA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fitchburg?

The average cost of solar panels in Fitchburg 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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Fitchburg?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.

Is making the switch to solar worth it?

Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.

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 stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide 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.

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