Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ludlow, MA (Mar 2023)
- Ludlow Solar Installation Cost: $9,199
- 25-Year Savings: $14,858
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ludlow
We go over average solar pricing in Ludlow.
The average cost of a solar system in Ludlow is 2.94 per watt. The average Ludlow homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,199 with the federal tax credit, or $13,155 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ludlow
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,237 |
| 3 years | $-6,312 |
| 5 years | $-4,388 |
| 7 years | $-2,463 |
| 9 years | $-539 |
| 11 years | $1,386 |
| 13 years | $3,311 |
| 15 years | $5,235 |
| 17 years | $7,160 |
| 19 years | $9,084 |
| 21 years | $11,009 |
| 23 years | $12,934 |
| 25 years | $14,858 |
Top Solar Installers in Ludlow
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies provide can be useful as well, particularly if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Ludlow, 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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Ludlow
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ludlow
Though the average cost of a solar system in Ludlow is $9,199, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production use 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 model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, 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 researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Ludlow, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can affect your pricing. Ludlow's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 | $19,420 | 10.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $26,222 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $33,189 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $40,321 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $47,618 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $55,079 | 9.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $62,705 | 8.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $70,495 | 8.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Ludlow, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- 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 solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: When looking through 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 like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Ludlow, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ludlow?
The average cost of solar panels in Ludlow 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Ludlow?
A solar panel system isn't free in Ludlow, 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Ludlow?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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.