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

  • Boston Solar Installation Cost: $12,487
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,041
  • Payback Period: 12.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Boston

Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Boston.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Boston, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Boston is around 4.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,487 for a solar installation, or $17,856 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will most likely look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Boston can save about $23,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

To get a free estimate from a top solar company in Boston, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Boston

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,882
3 years $-7,670
5 years $-4,458
7 years $-1,247
9 years $1,965
11 years $5,177
13 years $8,388
15 years $11,600
17 years $14,812
19 years $18,023
21 years $21,235
23 years $24,447
25 years $27,658

Top Solar Installers in Boston

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.

If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Boston:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
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

See all of the solar companies in Boston

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Boston

The cost of installing a solar system in Boston can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels 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 Boston.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking 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

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Boston homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Boston homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.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 choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.

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 $17,884 12.4 years
8 kW $4.14 $23,191 $24,300 12.2 years
10 kW $4.06 $28,420 $30,943 12.0 years
12 kW $3.98 $33,422 $37,814 11.7 years
14 kW $3.90 $38,196 $44,912 11.5 years
16 kW $3.82 $42,744 $52,238 11.3 years
18 kW $3.74 $47,064 $59,791 11.0 years
20 kW $3.65 $51,156 $67,571 10.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of 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 read through your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
  • Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panels, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
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

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 $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 stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Boston?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.

Does Boston have a net metering program?

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 utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How long do solar panels last in Boston?

On average, solar panels can last 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 larger 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.

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