Solar Panel Cost Guide in Boylston, MA (Mar 2023)
- Boylston Solar Installation Cost: $9,220
- 25-Year Savings: $14,194
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Boylston
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Boylston.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Boylston is 2.94 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $9,220 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Boylston homeowners see about $20,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Boylston, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Boylston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,283 |
| 3 years | $-6,410 |
| 5 years | $-4,537 |
| 7 years | $-2,664 |
| 9 years | $-791 |
| 11 years | $1,082 |
| 13 years | $2,956 |
| 15 years | $4,829 |
| 17 years | $6,702 |
| 19 years | $8,575 |
| 21 years | $10,448 |
| 23 years | $12,321 |
| 25 years | $14,194 |
Top Solar Installers in Boylston
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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
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 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 depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, 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 a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Boylston, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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 finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
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 Boylston, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Boylston?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Boylston?
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 don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home 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.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,045.78 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Boylston?
Although 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.