Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brookline, MA (2025 Update)
- Brookline Solar Installation Cost: $12,529
- 25-Year Savings: $17,030
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brookline
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Brookline.
The average cost of a solar system in Brookline is 4 per watt.The average Brookline homeowner needs a 4.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,529 with the federal tax credit, or $17,916 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.With typical savings of about $22,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Brookline find going solar has a decent ROI.
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 | $-10,928 |
| 3 years | $-7,725 |
| 5 years | $-4,523 |
| 7 years | $-1,320 |
| 9 years | $1,882 |
| 11 years | $5,085 |
| 13 years | $8,288 |
| 15 years | $11,490 |
| 17 years | $14,693 |
| 19 years | $17,896 |
| 21 years | $21,098 |
| 23 years | $24,301 |
| 25 years | $27,503 |
Top Solar Installers in Brookline
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to hire a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. The expertise that solar installers provide can be invaluable as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Brookline
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brookline
There are many factors that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Brookline, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Brookline average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Brookline, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Brookline, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $17,791 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $24,176 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $30,789 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $37,629 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $44,696 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $51,990 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $59,512 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $67,262 | 10.8 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 pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you opt for.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar energy system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Brookline, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Brookline?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Brookline?
Solar panels aren’t free in Brookline, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though 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 once you've had 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.