Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sudbury, MA (2023 Update)
- Sudbury Solar Installation Cost: $9,178
- 25-Year Savings: $15,708
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sudbury
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Sudbury.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Sudbury is 2.94 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Sudbury, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $9,179, or $13,126 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Sudbury based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Even with the large initial cost, the average Sudbury homeowner can save around $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sudbury
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,515 |
| 3 years | $-4,190 |
| 5 years | $-866 |
| 7 years | $2,459 |
| 9 years | $5,784 |
| 11 years | $9,109 |
| 13 years | $12,433 |
| 15 years | $15,758 |
| 17 years | $19,083 |
| 19 years | $22,408 |
| 21 years | $25,732 |
| 23 years | $29,057 |
| 25 years | $32,382 |
Top Solar Installers in Sudbury
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. The expertise that solar companies offer can be valuable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
There are several 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
See all of the solar companies in Sudbury
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sudbury
For many Sudbury homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Sudbury, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Sudbury, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Sudbury have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Sudbury is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in Sudbury have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $20,640 | 9.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $27,849 | 9.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $35,223 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $42,762 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $50,465 | 8.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $58,333 | 8.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $66,365 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $74,562 | 8.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- 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 likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify 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 Sudbury, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sudbury?
The average cost of solar panels in Sudbury 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Sudbury?
Solar panels aren't free in Sudbury, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your property's value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
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 usually 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.