Solar Panel Cost Guide in Littleton, MA (2023 Update)
- Littleton Solar Installation Cost: $9,179
- 25-Year Savings: $15,348
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Littleton
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Littleton.
The average cost of solar panels in Littleton is 2.94 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Littleton is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,179 for a solar installation, or $13,126 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Littleton homeowner can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Littleton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,198 |
| 3 years | $-6,236 |
| 5 years | $-4,273 |
| 7 years | $-2,311 |
| 9 years | $-349 |
| 11 years | $1,613 |
| 13 years | $3,575 |
| 15 years | $5,537 |
| 17 years | $7,499 |
| 19 years | $9,461 |
| 21 years | $11,423 |
| 23 years | $13,385 |
| 25 years | $15,348 |
Top Solar Installers in Littleton
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar company since handling can be a time-consuming project. Another perk of utilizing a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a licensed 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 Littleton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Littleton
The cost of installing a solar system in Littleton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Littleton, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's crucial to keep that in mind 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 company you go with to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Littleton, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car 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 | $3.06 | $12,842 | $20,157 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $27,206 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $34,418 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $41,796 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $49,338 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $57,045 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $64,917 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $72,953 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Littleton, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Littleton?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Littleton?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,099.97 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs 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 household 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.