Solar Panel Cost Guide in Marlborough, MA (2023 Update)
- Marlborough Solar Installation Cost: $9,178
- 25-Year Savings: $15,010
- Payback Period: 9.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Marlborough
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Marlborough.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Marlborough it's 2.94 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Marlborough, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $9,179, or $13,126 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Marlborough depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Marlborough see about $21,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Marlborough
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,097 |
| 3 years | $-8,936 |
| 5 years | $-8,774 |
| 7 years | $-8,613 |
| 9 years | $-8,452 |
| 11 years | $-8,291 |
| 13 years | $-8,129 |
| 15 years | $-7,968 |
| 17 years | $-7,807 |
| 19 years | $-7,646 |
| 21 years | $-7,484 |
| 23 years | $-7,323 |
| 25 years | $-7,162 |
Top Solar Installers in Marlborough
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra energy and knowledge. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Marlborough, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Marlborough
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Marlborough
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Marlborough: 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 size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,940. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Further, 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 looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Marlborough, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. It's wise to add 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
The solar installation company you choose will impact your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within your budget.
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
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Marlborough?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get 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 energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,084.76 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.