Solar Panel Cost Guide in Canton, MA (Mar 2023)
- Canton Solar Installation Cost: $9,076
- 25-Year Savings: $16,554
- Payback Period: 8.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Canton
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Canton.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Canton generally cost around 2.94. Using this figure, a typical 4.4-kW system would cost about $9,076 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Canton depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Canton can save around $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Canton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,051 |
| 3 years | $-6,000 |
| 5 years | $-3,950 |
| 7 years | $-1,899 |
| 9 years | $151 |
| 11 years | $2,201 |
| 13 years | $4,252 |
| 15 years | $6,302 |
| 17 years | $8,353 |
| 19 years | $10,403 |
| 21 years | $12,453 |
| 23 years | $14,504 |
| 25 years | $16,554 |
Top Solar Installers in Canton
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since installing solar panels by yourself can be hard. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. 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 Canton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Canton
There are several factors that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Canton, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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 a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid option because they decrease 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 financing options, 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Canton is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $22,039 | 9.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $29,715 | 9.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $37,555 | 8.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $45,560 | 8.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $53,730 | 8.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $62,064 | 8.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $70,563 | 8.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $79,227 | 8.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Canton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
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 Canton, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Canton?
The average cost of solar panels in Canton is about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Canton?
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 property 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in Canton?
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 higher amount 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.