Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lawrence, MA (2024 Update)
- Lawrence Solar Installation Cost: $12,074
- 25-Year Savings: $17,181
- Payback Period: 11.6 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 Lawrence
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Lawrence.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Lawrence it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.2-kW system would cost about $12,074 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 energy system. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Lawrence can save around $23,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lawrence
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,351 |
| 3 years | $-6,904 |
| 5 years | $-3,457 |
| 7 years | $-10 |
| 9 years | $3,437 |
| 11 years | $6,884 |
| 13 years | $10,331 |
| 15 years | $13,777 |
| 17 years | $17,224 |
| 19 years | $20,671 |
| 21 years | $24,118 |
| 23 years | $27,565 |
| 25 years | $31,012 |
Top Solar Installers in Lawrence
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra effort and handiness. That's why most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Lawrence
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lawrence
There are a number of factors that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production need 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 $4,060.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower 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. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Lawrence, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Lawrence homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining how much you pay. Lawrence’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $18,878 | 12.1 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $25,626 | 11.9 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $32,600 | 11.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $39,802 | 11.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $47,232 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $54,889 | 10.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $62,773 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $70,885 | 10.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
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 Lawrence, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lawrence?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Lawrence?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for 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 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.