Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sterling, MA (2024 Update)
- Sterling Solar Installation Cost: $12,726
- 25-Year Savings: $15,262
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sterling
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Sterling.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Sterling, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Sterling is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,726 for a solar installation, or $18,198 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Sterling homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $21,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Sterling find investing in solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Sterling
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,002 |
| 3 years | $-7,556 |
| 5 years | $-4,109 |
| 7 years | $-662 |
| 9 years | $2,785 |
| 11 years | $6,232 |
| 13 years | $9,679 |
| 15 years | $13,126 |
| 17 years | $16,572 |
| 19 years | $20,019 |
| 21 years | $23,466 |
| 23 years | $26,913 |
| 25 years | $30,360 |
Top Solar Installers in Sterling
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another good thing about choosing a reliable solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Sterling
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sterling
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Sterling: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $4,060. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Sterling homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Sterling homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Sterling is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $15,063 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $20,539 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $26,242 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $32,173 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $38,331 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $44,716 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $51,329 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $58,169 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable 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.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Sterling, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sterling?
The average cost of solar panels in Sterling is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Sterling have a net metering program?
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 offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.