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
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cambridge
We break down average solar pricing in Cambridge.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Cambridge generally cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 5.7-kW system would cost about $15,372 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of going solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Cambridge see about $24,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
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 you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra effort and handiness. For that reason, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
If you're looking for a solar company in Cambridge, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 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 Cambridge
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cambridge
For many Cambridge homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Cambridge, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,850. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Cambridge, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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 installers in Cambridge offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Cambridge, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Cambridge have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which type 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 ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 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 Cambridge, VT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cambridge?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Cambridge?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Cambridge. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Cambridge?
The majority of 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 electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.