Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lee, MA (2023 Update)
- Lee Solar Installation Cost: $9,302
- 25-Year Savings: $15,431
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lee
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Lee.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Lee, the average cost of a solar system is 2.94 per watt. The average Lee homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,302 with the federal tax credit, or $13,302 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Lee depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Lee can save about $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lee
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,313 |
| 3 years | $-6,334 |
| 5 years | $-4,356 |
| 7 years | $-2,377 |
| 9 years | $-398 |
| 11 years | $1,580 |
| 13 years | $3,559 |
| 15 years | $5,538 |
| 17 years | $7,516 |
| 19 years | $9,495 |
| 21 years | $11,474 |
| 23 years | $13,452 |
| 25 years | $15,431 |
Top Solar Installers in Lee
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your home.
If you're searching for a solar company in Lee, the EcoWatch team has 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 Lee
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lee
There are a number of criteria that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,940. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Lee, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Lee is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $20,015 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $27,015 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $34,181 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $41,511 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $49,006 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $56,665 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $64,489 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $72,478 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like to get plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 Lee, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lee?
The average cost of solar panels in Lee 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Lee?
Solar panels aren't free in Lee, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, 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 making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.