Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lee, MA (2024 Update)

  • Lee Solar Installation Cost: $12,836
  • 25-Year Savings: $15,438
  • Payback Period: 13.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lee

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Lee.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Lee it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $12,836 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Lee depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Lee homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Lee for a customized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Lee

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,113
3 years $-7,666
5 years $-4,219
7 years $-772
9 years $2,675
11 years $6,122
13 years $9,569
15 years $13,016
17 years $16,462
19 years $19,909
21 years $23,356
23 years $26,803
25 years $30,250

Top Solar Installers in Lee

When going solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for you.

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 in Lee:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Lee

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lee

The cost of installing a solar system in Lee can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Lee, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Lee average.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Lee to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installation company you select will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Lee have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 $4.22 $17,734 $15,122 13.5 years
8 kW $4.14 $23,191 $20,618 13.2 years
10 kW $4.06 $28,420 $26,341 13.0 years
12 kW $3.98 $33,422 $32,291 12.7 years
14 kW $3.90 $38,196 $38,469 12.5 years
16 kW $3.82 $42,744 $44,874 12.2 years
18 kW $3.74 $47,064 $51,506 11.9 years
20 kW $3.65 $51,156 $58,366 11.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you go with will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:

  • 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 indication of a quality company.
  • Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Lee, MA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lee?

The average cost of solar panels in Lee is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Lee?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 get the most savings.

How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?

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 Lee is currently $385,955, which means you could be looking at a value of about $15,824 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Lee is a rewarding investment.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 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.

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