Solar Panel Cost Guide in Marlborough, MA (2024 Update)
- Marlborough Solar Installation Cost: $12,674
- 25-Year Savings: $15,010
- Payback Period: 13.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Marlborough
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Marlborough.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Marlborough typically cost about 4.The average Marlborough homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,674 with the federal tax credit, or $18,124 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on your energy needs and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Marlborough homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Marlborough
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,950 |
| 3 years | $-7,503 |
| 5 years | $-4,057 |
| 7 years | $-610 |
| 9 years | $2,837 |
| 11 years | $6,284 |
| 13 years | $9,731 |
| 15 years | $13,178 |
| 17 years | $16,625 |
| 19 years | $20,072 |
| 21 years | $23,518 |
| 23 years | $26,965 |
| 25 years | $30,412 |
Top Solar Installers in Marlborough
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra time and handiness. That's why almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Another great thing about going with a top solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Marlborough:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Marlborough
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Marlborough
For many Marlborough homeowners, the decision to go solar rests 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
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $4,060 per kilowatt in Marlborough.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose 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 utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Marlborough homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Marlborough, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.22 | $17,734 | $14,809 | 13.6 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $20,200 | 13.4 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $25,818 | 13.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $31,664 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $37,737 | 12.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $44,038 | 12.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $50,565 | 12.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $57,320 | 11.8 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 difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Marlborough, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Marlborough?
The average cost of solar panels in Marlborough is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Marlborough?
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 larger amount 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.