Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lenox, MA (2024 Update)
- Lenox Solar Installation Cost: $12,836
- 25-Year Savings: $15,438
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lenox
Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Lenox.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Lenox it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Lenox is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,836 for a solar installation, or $18,355 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on your energy needs and what company you go with.With average savings of about $21,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Lenox find going solar has a decent ROI.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lenox
| 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 Lenox
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Lenox:
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 Lenox
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lenox
For many Lenox homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Lenox, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.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, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Lenox average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Lenox 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 greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $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
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose considerably influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- 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 you can expect about the cost.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panel system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
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 Lenox, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lenox?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Lenox?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Lenox. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily 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 install 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.