Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sudbury, MA (2024 Update)
- Sudbury Solar Installation Cost: $12,674
- 25-Year Savings: $28,886
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sudbury
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Sudbury.
The average cost of a solar system in Sudbury is 4 per watt.The average Sudbury homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,674 with the federal tax credit, or $18,124 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on your specific situation and what company you go with.Despite the high initial cost, the average Sudbury homeowner can save about $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Sudbury, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sudbury
| 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 Sudbury
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and expertise. Because of that, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy consumption, but working with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. 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 Sudbury
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sudbury
For many Sudbury homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Sudbury, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Sudbury, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Sudbury to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Sudbury, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Sudbury know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 | $15,748 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $21,452 | 13.0 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $27,383 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $33,542 | 12.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $39,928 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $46,541 | 12.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $53,382 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $60,450 | 11.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Sudbury, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
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 Sudbury, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sudbury?
The average cost of solar panels in Sudbury is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Sudbury?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.