Considering solar panel installation in Burlington, Massachusetts? Good choice! Solar power is booming here, driven by high electricity costs and attractive incentives. The typical cost for a 6kW-8kW system in Burlington, after factoring in federal and state incentives, ranges from $14,000 to $22,000. This price can vary depending on factors like the size of your home, roof complexity, the quality of the panels, and the installer you choose. For a more in-depth understanding of the Massachusetts solar market, be sure to check out our complete Massachusetts Solar Energy guide.
System Options & Costs
Here’s a breakdown of potential solar panel system options and their estimated costs in Burlington, MA, after incentives:
| System Size (kW) | Typical Home Size (sq ft) | Estimated Production (kWh/year) | Estimated Cost After Incentives |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 kW | 1,000 – 1,500 | 4,800 – 5,600 | $9,000 – $12,000 |
| 6 kW | 1,500 – 2,000 | 7,200 – 8,400 | $14,000 – $17,000 |
| 8 kW | 2,000 – 2,500 | 9,600 – 11,200 | $18,000 – $22,000 |
| 10 kW | 2,500 – 3,000 | 12,000 – 14,000 | $22,500 – $27,500 |
Local Factors
When planning your solar installation in Burlington, keep these local factors in mind:
- Permits: You’ll need permits from the Town of Burlington for your solar installation. Your installer will typically handle this process, but it’s good to be aware of it. Expect standard electrical and building permits to be required.
- Labor Rates: Installation labor rates in the Greater Boston area, including Burlington, tend to be slightly higher than the national average due to the cost of living and demand. Be sure to get multiple quotes to compare.
- The SMART Program: Burlington residents can benefit from the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program. This program offers fixed payments per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity generated by your solar panels for 10 years, providing a reliable revenue stream.
- High Utility Rates: Burlington is serviced by Eversource and National Grid, which have some of the highest electricity rates in the country. Solar panels are a great solution to shield yourself from these ever-increasing “Utility Hikes.”
- Net Metering 2.0: Take advantage of Net Metering 2.0. This allows you to send excess electricity generated by your solar panels back to the grid and receive credit on your electricity bill. You can “bank” your excess summer energy to use during snowy winter months.
- Incentives: Don’t forget to claim the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and the Massachusetts state income tax credit (up to $1,000). Plus, solar systems are 100% exempt from MA sales tax and don’t increase your property taxes for 20 years.
- Contractor Verification: Always verify your contractor’s license at the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER).
Weather Impact
New England’s climate, with its distinct seasons, has some impact on solar panel performance. While the region might not seem like a solar hotspot, solar panels actually perform excellently in cool, sunny weather. The cold temperatures help to increase efficiency. While snow can temporarily reduce production, modern solar panels are designed to shed snow quickly. The best solar production months are typically March-October, but solar panels still generate power year-round. Regular monitoring of your system’s performance is always a good idea.
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FAQ
- How long does solar panel installation typically take in Burlington?
Most residential solar panel installations in Burlington take between 1-3 days to complete, depending on the complexity of the project and weather conditions. The permitting process can add several weeks to the overall timeline. - Will solar panels increase my property taxes in Burlington?
No, in Massachusetts, solar panel systems are exempt from property tax increases for 20 years from the date of installation. - What happens if there’s a power outage in Burlington? Will my solar panels still provide power?
Standard grid-tied solar panel systems automatically shut down during a power outage to protect utility workers. To have power during an outage, you’ll need to install a solar battery backup system.