Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kingston, MA (Mar 2023)
- Kingston Solar Installation Cost: $8,520
- 25-Year Savings: $17,494
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kingston
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Kingston.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Kingston is 2.94 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 4.1-kW system would cost about $8,520 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $24,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Kingston that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Kingston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,480 |
| 3 years | $-5,398 |
| 5 years | $-3,317 |
| 7 years | $-1,236 |
| 9 years | $845 |
| 11 years | $2,926 |
| 13 years | $5,007 |
| 15 years | $7,088 |
| 17 years | $9,169 |
| 19 years | $11,250 |
| 21 years | $13,331 |
| 23 years | $15,413 |
| 25 years | $17,494 |
Top Solar Installers in Kingston
When going solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but going with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Kingston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kingston
There are several factors that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Kingston, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,940 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Kingston average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Kingston to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Kingston homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can impact your pricing. Kingston's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $24,877 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $33,499 | 8.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $42,285 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $51,236 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $60,351 | 7.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $69,632 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $79,076 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $88,686 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Kingston, 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:
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Kingston, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Kingston?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Kingston?
You can't get solar panels for free in Kingston. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Kingston is currently $378,500, so you could be looking at a value of about $15,518 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Kingston is a rewarding investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.