Solar Panel Cost Guide in Boylston, MA (2023 Update)
- Boylston Solar Installation Cost: $9,215
- 25-Year Savings: $14,199
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Boylston
We break down average solar pricing in Boylston.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Boylston generally cost about 2.94. The average Boylston homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,220 with the federal tax credit, or $13,185 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Boylston depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Even with the large initial cost, the average Boylston homeowner can save about $20,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Boylston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,137 |
| 3 years | $-8,981 |
| 5 years | $-8,825 |
| 7 years | $-8,669 |
| 9 years | $-8,513 |
| 11 years | $-8,357 |
| 13 years | $-8,201 |
| 15 years | $-8,045 |
| 17 years | $-7,888 |
| 19 years | $-7,732 |
| 21 years | $-7,576 |
| 23 years | $-7,420 |
| 25 years | $-7,264 |
Top Solar Installers in Boylston
When going solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be helpful as well, especially if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. 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
See all of the solar companies in Boylston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Boylston
The cost of installing a solar system in Boylston can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Boylston, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can affect how much it costs. Boylston's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to 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 cost more. It's best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $18,532 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $25,038 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $31,709 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $38,545 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $45,545 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $52,710 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $60,040 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $67,534 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
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 Boylston, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Boylston?
The average cost of solar panels in Boylston 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 like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Boylston?
You can't get solar panels for free in Boylston. However, you may still be able to get 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 solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Boylston, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Boylston?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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.