Solar Panel Cost Guide in Boston, MA (2023 Update)
- Boston Solar Installation Cost: $9,043
- 25-Year Savings: $17,041
- Payback Period: 8.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Boston
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Boston.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Boston is 2.94 per watt. Because a 4.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Boston, the average price of going solar will be about $9,035 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. With average savings of about $23,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Boston find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in Boston, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Boston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,437 |
| 3 years | $-4,225 |
| 5 years | $-1,014 |
| 7 years | $2,198 |
| 9 years | $5,410 |
| 11 years | $8,622 |
| 13 years | $11,833 |
| 15 years | $15,045 |
| 17 years | $18,257 |
| 19 years | $21,468 |
| 21 years | $24,680 |
| 23 years | $27,892 |
| 25 years | $31,103 |
Top Solar Installers in Boston
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Boston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Boston
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Boston: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Boston, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,940 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far 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 offered by most installers in Boston, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can impact the cost. Boston's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $22,776 | 9.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $30,697 | 8.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $38,783 | 8.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $47,034 | 8.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $55,449 | 8.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $64,029 | 8.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $72,774 | 8.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $81,683 | 7.8 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:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the longevity of your solar energy system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
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 Boston, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Boston?
The average cost of solar panels in Boston is about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Boston?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,187.27 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.