Solar Panel Cost Guide in Charlton, MA (2025 Update)
- Charlton Solar Installation Cost: $12,726
- 25-Year Savings: $16,709
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Charlton
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Charlton.
In Charlton, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Charlton is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,726 for a solar installation, or $18,198 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Charlton homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Charlton homeowners see about $22,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Charlton for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Charlton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,002 |
| 3 years | $-7,556 |
| 5 years | $-4,109 |
| 7 years | $-662 |
| 9 years | $2,785 |
| 11 years | $6,232 |
| 13 years | $9,679 |
| 15 years | $13,126 |
| 17 years | $16,572 |
| 19 years | $20,019 |
| 21 years | $23,466 |
| 23 years | $26,913 |
| 25 years | $30,360 |
Top Solar Installers in Charlton
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Another upside of going with a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your return of investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Charlton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Charlton
The cost of installing a solar system in Charlton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Charlton, 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 electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Charlton, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Charlton have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Charlton is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and bulk 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 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 | $17,003 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $23,125 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $29,475 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $36,052 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $42,856 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $49,888 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $57,147 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $64,634 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Charlton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panels, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- 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 big role in the company you choose.
EcoWatch's Charlton, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Charlton?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Charlton?
Solar panels aren’t free in Charlton, 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?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Charlton?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.