Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lowell, MA (2024 Update)
- Lowell Solar Installation Cost: $12,674
- 25-Year Savings: $16,747
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lowell
We go over average solar pricing in Lowell.
In Lowell, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Lowell, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,674, or $18,124 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Lowell depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Lowell homeowners see about $22,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Lowell, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lowell
| 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 Lowell
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy consumption, but going with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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
See all of the solar companies in Lowell
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lowell
For many Lowell homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Lowell, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Lowell, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Lowell, 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 a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Lowell provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to 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 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 | $17,146 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $23,316 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $29,714 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $36,338 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $43,190 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $50,270 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $57,577 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $65,111 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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
EcoWatch's Lowell, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lowell?
The average cost of solar panels in Lowell 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 stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Lowell?
Solar panels aren’t free in Lowell, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Lowell?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How long do solar panels last in Lowell?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.