Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kingston, MA (2024 Update)
- Kingston Solar Installation Cost: $11,760
- 25-Year Savings: $17,498
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kingston
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Kingston.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Kingston typically cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in Kingston is around 4.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,760 for a solar installation, or $16,817 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Kingston homeowner. The price 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 many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Kingston homeowners see about $24,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Kingston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,037 |
| 3 years | $-6,590 |
| 5 years | $-3,143 |
| 7 years | $304 |
| 9 years | $3,751 |
| 11 years | $7,198 |
| 13 years | $10,644 |
| 15 years | $14,091 |
| 17 years | $17,538 |
| 19 years | $20,985 |
| 21 years | $24,432 |
| 23 years | $27,879 |
| 25 years | $31,326 |
Top Solar Installers in Kingston
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Kingston, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
See all of the solar companies in Kingston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kingston
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Kingston: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation 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 kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Kingston, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $4.22 | $17,734 | $19,985 | 11.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $27,101 | 11.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $34,445 | 11.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $42,016 | 11.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $49,814 | 10.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $57,840 | 10.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $66,093 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $74,574 | 10.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- 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.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar panels, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
EcoWatch's Kingston, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Kingston?
The average cost of solar panels in Kingston is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as 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 Kingston?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.
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.