Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lunenburg, MA (Mar 2023)
- Lunenburg Solar Installation Cost: $9,220
- 25-Year Savings: $18,455
- Payback Period: 8.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lunenburg
We go over average solar pricing in Lunenburg.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Lunenburg typically cost about 2.94. The average solar panel system size in Lunenburg is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,220 for a solar installation, or $13,185 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Lunenburg can save around $23,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lunenburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,113 |
| 3 years | $-5,899 |
| 5 years | $-3,685 |
| 7 years | $-1,471 |
| 9 years | $743 |
| 11 years | $2,957 |
| 13 years | $5,171 |
| 15 years | $7,385 |
| 17 years | $9,599 |
| 19 years | $11,813 |
| 21 years | $14,027 |
| 23 years | $16,241 |
| 25 years | $18,455 |
Top Solar Installers in Lunenburg
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and expertise. For that reason, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren't sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Lunenburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lunenburg
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Lunenburg: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,940 per kilowatt in Lunenburg. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 can expect 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 raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Lunenburg, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you pick will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $24,241 | 8.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $32,650 | 8.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $41,224 | 8.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $49,963 | 8.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $58,867 | 8.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $67,935 | 7.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $77,167 | 7.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $86,565 | 7.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project 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 Lunenburg, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lunenburg?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Lunenburg?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Lunenburg?
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 their energy production 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.