Solar Panel Cost Guide in Middleton, MA (Mar 2023)
- Middleton Solar Installation Cost: $8,746
- 25-Year Savings: $15,163
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Middleton
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Middleton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Middleton it's 2.94 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 4.2-kW system would cost about $8,746 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Middleton can save around $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Middleton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,790 |
| 3 years | $-5,877 |
| 5 years | $-3,965 |
| 7 years | $-2,052 |
| 9 years | $-139 |
| 11 years | $1,774 |
| 13 years | $3,686 |
| 15 years | $5,599 |
| 17 years | $7,512 |
| 19 years | $9,425 |
| 21 years | $11,337 |
| 23 years | $13,250 |
| 25 years | $15,163 |
Top Solar Installers in Middleton
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra energy and know-how. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Another perk of going with a solar company is that they can help you optimize your return of investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Middleton:
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 Middleton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Middleton
For many Middleton homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Middleton, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various 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 power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,940 per kilowatt in Middleton. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider 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 for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Middleton, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have greater resources and better 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 down 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 | $3.06 | $12,842 | $20,925 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $28,229 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $35,698 | 9.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $43,331 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $51,129 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $59,092 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $67,220 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $75,512 | 8.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
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 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 $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Middleton, 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 needs 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 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.