Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lunenburg, MA (2024 Update)
- Lunenburg Solar Installation Cost: $12,726
- 25-Year Savings: $18,460
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lunenburg
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Lunenburg.
In Lunenburg, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.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 exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Lunenburg can save about $23,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Lunenburg, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lunenburg
| 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 Lunenburg
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a challenging project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’re unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Lunenburg, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Lunenburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lunenburg
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary 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 cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Lunenburg average.
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 Lunenburg, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Lunenburg, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down 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 | $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 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 selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Lunenburg, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lunenburg?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Lunenburg?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Lunenburg. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Lunenburg is currently $487,239, so you can expect a value of about $19,977 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Lunenburg is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Lunenburg?
Although 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 choose 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.