Solar Panel Cost Guide in Harvard, MA (2023 Update)
- Harvard Solar Installation Cost: $9,220
- 25-Year Savings: $14,656
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Harvard
See how much it might cost to go solar in Harvard.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Harvard, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.94 per watt. Because a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Harvard, the average price of going solar will be about $9,220 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Harvard homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Harvard homeowners see about $20,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Harvard, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Harvard
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,265 |
| 3 years | $-6,355 |
| 5 years | $-4,445 |
| 7 years | $-2,535 |
| 9 years | $-625 |
| 11 years | $1,285 |
| 13 years | $3,195 |
| 15 years | $5,105 |
| 17 years | $7,016 |
| 19 years | $8,926 |
| 21 years | $10,836 |
| 23 years | $12,746 |
| 25 years | $14,656 |
Top Solar Installers in Harvard
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but working with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Harvard, we've put together 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
See all of the solar companies in Harvard
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Harvard
There are a number of factors that can determine your 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
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,940 per kilowatt in Harvard. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Harvard to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Harvard 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 offer a range of services at different costs. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $19,150 | 10.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $25,862 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $32,739 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $39,781 | 9.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $46,987 | 9.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $54,359 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $61,894 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $69,595 | 8.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- 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 expectations you should have about the installation process.
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 Harvard, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Harvard?
The average cost of solar panels in Harvard is about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Harvard?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to 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 savings from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Harvard?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.