Solar Panel Cost Guide in Framingham, MA (2024 Update)
- Framingham Solar Installation Cost: $12,674
- 25-Year Savings: $16,866
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Framingham
We go over average solar pricing in Framingham.
In Framingham, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Because a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Framingham, the average price of going solar will be about $12,674 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To get a free estimate from a top solar installer in Framingham, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Framingham
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,048 |
| 3 years | $-7,796 |
| 5 years | $-4,545 |
| 7 years | $-1,294 |
| 9 years | $1,958 |
| 11 years | $5,209 |
| 13 years | $8,461 |
| 15 years | $11,712 |
| 17 years | $14,964 |
| 19 years | $18,215 |
| 21 years | $21,467 |
| 23 years | $24,718 |
| 25 years | $27,970 |
Top Solar Installers in Framingham
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, using a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Framingham, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Framingham
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Framingham
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Framingham: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production require 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 $4,060.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Framingham homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Framingham homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $17,306 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $23,530 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $29,981 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $36,659 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $43,565 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $50,698 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $58,058 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $65,646 | 10.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Framingham, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Framingham, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Framingham?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Framingham?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Framingham?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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 cover 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.