Solar Panel Cost Guide in Acton, MA (Mar 2023)
- Acton Solar Installation Cost: $9,179
- 25-Year Savings: $15,472
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Acton
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Acton.
The average cost of a solar system in Acton is 2.94 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Acton, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $9,179, or $13,126 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. Despite the high upfront cost, the average Acton homeowner can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Acton for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Acton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,193 |
| 3 years | $-6,221 |
| 5 years | $-4,249 |
| 7 years | $-2,277 |
| 9 years | $-305 |
| 11 years | $1,667 |
| 13 years | $3,639 |
| 15 years | $5,611 |
| 17 years | $7,583 |
| 19 years | $9,556 |
| 21 years | $11,528 |
| 23 years | $13,500 |
| 25 years | $15,472 |
Top Solar Installers in Acton
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a dangerous project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Acton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Acton
There are several criteria that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Acton, 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 figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,940 for each additional kilowatt you need. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of 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 falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Acton have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Acton homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Acton, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.06 | $12,842 | $20,324 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $27,428 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $34,696 | 9.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $42,129 | 9.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $49,727 | 8.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $57,489 | 8.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $65,417 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $73,508 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Acton, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Acton?
The average cost of solar panels in Acton is about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Acton?
A solar panel system isn't free in Acton, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Acton is currently $708,970, so you can expect a value of about $29,068 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Acton is a fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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 home 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.