Solar Panel Cost Guide in Marlborough, MA (Mar 2023)
- Marlborough Solar Installation Cost: $9,179
- 25-Year Savings: $15,009
- Payback Period: 9.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Marlborough
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Marlborough.
The average cost of a solar system in Marlborough is 2.94 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Marlborough 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 the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. Despite the high upfront cost, the average Marlborough homeowner can save about $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Marlborough for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Marlborough
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,211 |
| 3 years | $-6,276 |
| 5 years | $-4,341 |
| 7 years | $-2,406 |
| 9 years | $-471 |
| 11 years | $1,464 |
| 13 years | $3,399 |
| 15 years | $5,334 |
| 17 years | $7,269 |
| 19 years | $9,204 |
| 21 years | $11,139 |
| 23 years | $13,074 |
| 25 years | $15,009 |
Top Solar Installers in Marlborough
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be challenging. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for you.
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 Marlborough
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Marlborough
For many Marlborough homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Marlborough, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,940. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Marlborough average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Marlborough to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. It's a good idea to factor 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can impact the cost. Marlborough's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger 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 | $19,701 | 9.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $26,597 | 9.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $33,658 | 9.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $40,884 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $48,274 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $55,829 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $63,548 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $71,432 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer 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.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer 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.
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 Marlborough, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Marlborough?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Marlborough?
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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
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 Marlborough is currently $348,500, which means you can expect a value of about $14,288 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Marlborough is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 usually 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.