Solar Panel Cost Guide in Belmont, MA (2025 Update)
- Belmont Solar Installation Cost: $12,674
- 25-Year Savings: $19,755
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Belmont
We go over average solar pricing in Belmont.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Belmont it’s 4 per watt.The average Belmont 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.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Belmont homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $25,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Belmont find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Belmont for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Belmont
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,072 |
| 3 years | $-7,870 |
| 5 years | $-4,667 |
| 7 years | $-1,465 |
| 9 years | $1,738 |
| 11 years | $4,941 |
| 13 years | $8,143 |
| 15 years | $11,346 |
| 17 years | $14,549 |
| 19 years | $17,751 |
| 21 years | $20,954 |
| 23 years | $24,156 |
| 25 years | $27,359 |
Top Solar Installers in Belmont
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, going with a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Belmont
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Belmont
There are several factors that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Belmont, one of the most important 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 determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment goes beyond 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 researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Belmont to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Belmont, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally 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 | $4.22 | $17,734 | $21,193 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $28,712 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $36,458 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $44,432 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $52,633 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $61,061 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $69,717 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $78,600 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Belmont, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like to get plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
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 Belmont, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Belmont?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Belmont?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Belmont. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Belmont?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much 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.