Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bolton, MA (2024 Update)

  • Bolton Solar Installation Cost: $12,726
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,695
  • Payback Period: 13.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bolton

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Bolton.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bolton it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Bolton is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,726 for a solar installation, or $18,198 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you may look different based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Bolton can save about $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installation company in Bolton, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Bolton

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-11,002
3 years$-7,556
5 years$-4,109
7 years$-662
9 years$2,785
11 years$6,232
13 years$9,679
15 years$13,126
17 years$16,572
19 years$20,019
21 years$23,466
23 years$26,913
25 years$30,360

Top Solar Installers in Bolton

Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since installing solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Solar Veteran

Trinity Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Many financing options
  • Family-owned and -operated
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Limited service area
  • Relatively short workmanship warranty

See all of the solar companies in Bolton

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bolton

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Bolton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $4,060 per kilowatt in Bolton.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on 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 for a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Bolton to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Bolton homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can influence your pricing. Bolton’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.22$17,734$12,96414.4 years
8 kW$4.14$23,191$17,74014.2 years
10 kW$4.06$28,420$22,74313.9 years
12 kW$3.98$33,422$27,97413.6 years
14 kW$3.90$38,196$33,43213.3 years
16 kW$3.82$42,744$39,11713.1 years
18 kW$3.74$47,064$45,03012.8 years
20 kW$3.65$51,156$51,17012.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar panel company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
  • Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Solar Veteran

Trinity Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Many financing options
  • Family-owned and -operated
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Limited service area
  • Relatively short workmanship warranty

EcoWatch's Bolton, MA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bolton?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 consumption. Conversely, 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 Bolton?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get 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 savings from going solar.

Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Bolton is currently $822,491, which means you could be looking at a value of about $33,722 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Bolton is a rewarding investment.

How long do solar panels last in Bolton?

Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.

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.