Solar Panel Cost Guide in Belmont, MA (2023 Update)
- Belmont Solar Installation Cost: $9,178
- 25-Year Savings: $19,755
- Payback Period: 7.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Belmont
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Belmont.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Belmont generally cost around 2.94. The average solar panel system size in Belmont is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,179 for a solar installation, or $13,126 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Belmont see about $25,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Belmont, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Belmont
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,081 |
| 3 years | $-8,888 |
| 5 years | $-8,695 |
| 7 years | $-8,502 |
| 9 years | $-8,310 |
| 11 years | $-8,117 |
| 13 years | $-7,924 |
| 15 years | $-7,731 |
| 17 years | $-7,538 |
| 19 years | $-7,345 |
| 21 years | $-7,152 |
| 23 years | $-6,959 |
| 25 years | $-6,767 |
Top Solar Installers in Belmont
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, especially if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Belmont, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Belmont
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Belmont
The cost of installing a solar system in Belmont can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,940. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Belmont, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Belmont, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to more resources and bulk 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 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 | $26,085 | 8.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $35,109 | 8.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $44,298 | 7.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $53,652 | 7.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $63,170 | 7.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $72,853 | 7.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $82,700 | 7.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $92,712 | 7.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Belmont, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Belmont?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Belmont?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Does Belmont have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.