Solar Panel Cost Guide in Framingham, MA (2023 Update)
- Framingham Solar Installation Cost: $9,178
- 25-Year Savings: $16,866
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Framingham
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Framingham.
In Framingham, solar panels cost about 2.94 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Framingham, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $9,179, or $13,126 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Framingham
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,091 |
| 3 years | $-8,917 |
| 5 years | $-8,743 |
| 7 years | $-8,570 |
| 9 years | $-8,396 |
| 11 years | $-8,223 |
| 13 years | $-8,049 |
| 15 years | $-7,875 |
| 17 years | $-7,702 |
| 19 years | $-7,528 |
| 21 years | $-7,354 |
| 23 years | $-7,181 |
| 25 years | $-7,007 |
Top Solar Installers in Framingham
Installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Framingham
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Framingham
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Framingham is $9,179, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production use 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 choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose 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 financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Framingham, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Framingham is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount 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 | $22,199 | 9.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $29,927 | 9.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $37,821 | 8.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $45,879 | 8.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $54,102 | 8.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $62,489 | 8.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $71,041 | 8.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $79,758 | 7.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Framingham, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Framingham?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose 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."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.