Solar Panel Cost Guide in Middleton, MA (2024 Update)
- Middleton Solar Installation Cost: $12,074
- 25-Year Savings: $15,166
- Payback Period: 12.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Middleton
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Middleton.
In Middleton, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 4.2-kW system would cost about $12,074 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Middleton depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Middleton homeowner can save about $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Middleton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,351 |
| 3 years | $-6,904 |
| 5 years | $-3,457 |
| 7 years | $-10 |
| 9 years | $3,437 |
| 11 years | $6,884 |
| 13 years | $10,331 |
| 15 years | $13,777 |
| 17 years | $17,224 |
| 19 years | $20,671 |
| 21 years | $24,118 |
| 23 years | $27,565 |
| 25 years | $31,012 |
Top Solar Installers in Middleton
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a difficult task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another good thing about choosing a reliable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Middleton:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
See all of the solar companies in Middleton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Middleton
The cost of installing a solar system in Middleton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Middleton, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Middleton is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $16,033 | 13.1 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $21,832 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $27,858 | 12.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $34,111 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $40,592 | 12.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $47,301 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $54,237 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $61,400 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
EcoWatch's Middleton, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Middleton?
The average cost of solar panels in Middleton 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places 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.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Middleton is currently $805,225, so you could be looking at a value of about $33,014 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Middleton is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 buy 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.