Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cambridge, VT (2024 Update)
- Cambridge Solar Installation Cost: $15,372
- 25-Year Savings: $24,185
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cambridge
We break down average solar pricing in Cambridge.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Cambridge is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 5.7-kW system would cost about $15,372 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.With typical savings of about $24,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Cambridge find going solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in Cambridge for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Cambridge
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,026 |
| 3 years | $-11,334 |
| 5 years | $-8,641 |
| 7 years | $-5,949 |
| 9 years | $-3,256 |
| 11 years | $-564 |
| 13 years | $2,129 |
| 15 years | $4,821 |
| 17 years | $7,513 |
| 19 years | $10,206 |
| 21 years | $12,898 |
| 23 years | $15,591 |
| 25 years | $18,283 |
Top Solar Installers in Cambridge
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and expertise. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren’t sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Cambridge
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cambridge
The cost of installing a solar system in Cambridge can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,850.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think 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 searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Cambridge, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.00 | $16,817 | $20,677 | 11.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.93 | $21,991 | $28,001 | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.85 | $26,950 | $35,540 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.77 | $31,693 | $43,295 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.70 | $36,221 | $51,265 | 10.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.62 | $40,533 | $59,451 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.54 | $44,629 | $67,853 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.47 | $48,510 | $76,470 | 9.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which brand 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 options before deciding.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
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 Cambridge, VT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cambridge?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $19,250 for a 5-kW system and $38,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Cambridge?
Solar panels aren’t free in Cambridge, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Cambridge?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Cambridge?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.