Solar Panel Cost Guide in Burlington, MA (2024 Update)
- Burlington Solar Installation Cost: $12,674
- 25-Year Savings: $16,720
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Burlington
We break down average solar pricing in Burlington.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Burlington typically cost around 4.The average solar panel system size in Burlington is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,674 for a solar installation, or $18,124 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Burlington can save about $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Burlington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,011 |
| 3 years | $-7,687 |
| 5 years | $-4,362 |
| 7 years | $-1,037 |
| 9 years | $2,288 |
| 11 years | $5,612 |
| 13 years | $8,937 |
| 15 years | $12,262 |
| 17 years | $15,587 |
| 19 years | $18,911 |
| 21 years | $22,236 |
| 23 years | $25,561 |
| 25 years | $28,886 |
Top Solar Installers in Burlington
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra labor and know-how. That's one of the reasons most people choose a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 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
See all of the solar companies in Burlington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Burlington
Cost is often 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 Burlington: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $4,060. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Burlington, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Burlington to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Burlington homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $17,110 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $23,268 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $29,653 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $36,266 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $43,106 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $50,174 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $57,469 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $64,991 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like to install plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 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
EcoWatch's Burlington, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Burlington?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Burlington?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Burlington is currently $797,221, so you could be looking at a value of about $32,686 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Burlington is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 buy 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.