Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brookline, MA (2023 Update)
- Brookline Solar Installation Cost: $9,073
- 25-Year Savings: $17,030
- Payback Period: 8.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brookline
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in Brookline.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Brookline, the average cost of solar panels is 2.94 per watt. Because a 4.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Brookline, the average price of going solar will be about $9,076 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $22,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Brookline
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,472 |
| 3 years | $-4,269 |
| 5 years | $-1,066 |
| 7 years | $2,136 |
| 9 years | $5,339 |
| 11 years | $8,541 |
| 13 years | $11,744 |
| 15 years | $14,947 |
| 17 years | $18,149 |
| 19 years | $21,352 |
| 21 years | $24,555 |
| 23 years | $27,757 |
| 25 years | $30,960 |
Top Solar Installers in Brookline
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra effort and expertise. That's why most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels 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
See all of the solar companies in Brookline
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brookline
There are several factors that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,940. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only 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 solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Brookline, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Brookline homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Brookline, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $22,683 | 9.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $30,574 | 8.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $38,629 | 8.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $46,848 | 8.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $55,233 | 8.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $63,782 | 8.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $72,495 | 8.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $81,374 | 7.8 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
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 Brookline, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Brookline?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Brookline 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.