Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sterling, MA (Mar 2023)
- Sterling Solar Installation Cost: $9,220
- 25-Year Savings: $15,257
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sterling
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Sterling.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Sterling it's 2.94 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $9,220 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Sterling homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Sterling for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Sterling
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,241 |
| 3 years | $-6,283 |
| 5 years | $-4,324 |
| 7 years | $-2,366 |
| 9 years | $-408 |
| 11 years | $1,550 |
| 13 years | $3,508 |
| 15 years | $5,466 |
| 17 years | $7,425 |
| 19 years | $9,383 |
| 21 years | $11,341 |
| 23 years | $13,299 |
| 25 years | $15,257 |
Top Solar Installers in Sterling
When going solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but going with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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 Sterling
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sterling
Although the average cost of a solar system in Sterling is $9,220, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation require 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 brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. Even though solar loans make switching to 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
The solar installer you select will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Sterling have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $19,955 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $26,937 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $34,082 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $41,393 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $48,868 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $56,507 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $64,312 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $72,281 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: If you're worried about the durability of your solar panels, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Sterling, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sterling?
The average cost of solar panels in Sterling is about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Sterling?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.