Solar Panel Cost Guide in Saugus, MA (2023 Update)
- Saugus Solar Installation Cost: $8,743
- 25-Year Savings: $15,394
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Saugus
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Saugus.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Saugus is 2.94 per watt. The average Saugus homeowner needs a 4.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $8,746 with the federal tax credit, or $12,507 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Saugus depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Even with the significant initial cost, the average Saugus homeowner can save about $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Saugus, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Saugus
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,020 |
| 3 years | $-3,573 |
| 5 years | $-126 |
| 7 years | $3,321 |
| 9 years | $6,768 |
| 11 years | $10,214 |
| 13 years | $13,661 |
| 15 years | $17,108 |
| 17 years | $20,555 |
| 19 years | $24,002 |
| 21 years | $27,449 |
| 23 years | $30,896 |
| 25 years | $34,343 |
Top Solar Installers in Saugus
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. 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
See all of the solar companies in Saugus
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Saugus
The cost of installing a solar system in Saugus can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,940 per kilowatt in Saugus. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Saugus to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. 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 can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Saugus, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced 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 decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $21,247 | 9.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $28,659 | 9.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $36,235 | 9.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $43,976 | 8.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $51,881 | 8.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $59,952 | 8.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $68,187 | 8.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $76,586 | 8.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Saugus, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Saugus?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Saugus?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.