Solar Panel Cost Guide in Marion, MA (Mar 2023)
- Marion Solar Installation Cost: $8,520
- 25-Year Savings: $17,583
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Marion
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Marion.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Marion generally cost about 2.94. The average Marion homeowner needs a 4.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $8,520 with the federal tax credit, or $12,184 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Marion homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $24,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Marion
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,476 |
| 3 years | $-5,388 |
| 5 years | $-3,299 |
| 7 years | $-1,211 |
| 9 years | $877 |
| 11 years | $2,965 |
| 13 years | $5,054 |
| 15 years | $7,142 |
| 17 years | $9,230 |
| 19 years | $11,318 |
| 21 years | $13,407 |
| 23 years | $15,495 |
| 25 years | $17,583 |
Top Solar Installers in Marion
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra labor and know-how. That's why most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Marion
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Marion
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Marion: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want 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
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Marion homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can impact how much you pay. Marion's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $25,007 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $33,672 | 8.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $42,501 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $51,495 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $60,654 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $69,977 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $79,465 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $89,118 | 7.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Marion, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Marion, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Marion?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Marion?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Marion, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.