Solar Panel Cost Guide in Acton, MA (2024 Update)
- Acton Solar Installation Cost: $12,674
- 25-Year Savings: $15,473
- Payback Period: 12.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Acton
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Acton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Acton, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $12,674 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $21,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Acton find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Acton for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Acton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,032 |
| 3 years | $-7,748 |
| 5 years | $-4,464 |
| 7 years | $-1,180 |
| 9 years | $2,104 |
| 11 years | $5,389 |
| 13 years | $8,673 |
| 15 years | $11,957 |
| 17 years | $15,241 |
| 19 years | $18,525 |
| 21 years | $21,809 |
| 23 years | $25,093 |
| 25 years | $28,377 |
Top Solar Installers in Acton
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Another good thing about choosing a top solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 Acton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Acton
Though the average cost of a solar system in Acton is $12,674, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Acton, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Acton, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Acton, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to 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 promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $15,432 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $21,030 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $26,856 | 12.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $32,909 | 12.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $39,190 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $45,698 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $52,433 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $59,396 | 11.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project 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 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 $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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to consider 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.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Acton, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 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.