Solar Panel Cost Guide in Boxborough, MA (Mar 2023)
- Boxborough Solar Installation Cost: $9,179
- 25-Year Savings: $14,074
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Boxborough
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Boxborough.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Boxborough generally cost around 2.94. The average Boxborough homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,179 with the federal tax credit, or $13,126 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Boxborough homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $20,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Boxborough find investing in solar can pay off big.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Boxborough
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,249 |
| 3 years | $-6,388 |
| 5 years | $-4,528 |
| 7 years | $-2,668 |
| 9 years | $-808 |
| 11 years | $1,052 |
| 13 years | $2,912 |
| 15 years | $4,773 |
| 17 years | $6,633 |
| 19 years | $8,493 |
| 21 years | $10,353 |
| 23 years | $12,213 |
| 25 years | $14,074 |
Top Solar Installers in Boxborough
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, especially if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Boxborough
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Boxborough
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Boxborough is $9,179, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,940 per kilowatt in Boxborough. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think 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's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Boxborough, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits 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 | $3.06 | $12,842 | $18,443 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $24,920 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $31,561 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $38,367 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $45,338 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $52,474 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $59,774 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $67,238 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose considerably affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Boxborough, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Boxborough?
The average cost of solar panels in Boxborough 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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses 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.