Solar Panel Cost Guide in Natick, MA (2024 Update)
- Natick Solar Installation Cost: $12,674
- 25-Year Savings: $16,469
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Natick
We go over average solar pricing in Natick.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Natick it’s 4 per watt.Since a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Natick, the average price of going solar will be about $12,674 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Natick depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Natick can save around $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Natick for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Natick
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,072 |
| 3 years | $-7,870 |
| 5 years | $-4,667 |
| 7 years | $-1,465 |
| 9 years | $1,738 |
| 11 years | $4,941 |
| 13 years | $8,143 |
| 15 years | $11,346 |
| 17 years | $14,549 |
| 19 years | $17,751 |
| 21 years | $20,954 |
| 23 years | $24,156 |
| 25 years | $27,359 |
Top Solar Installers in Natick
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra labor and handiness. That's why almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
Working with a vetted 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 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 Natick
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Natick
The cost of installing a solar system in Natick can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment consists of 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 searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Natick offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.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 considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Natick, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $16,772 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $22,818 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $29,091 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $35,591 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $42,319 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $49,273 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $56,456 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $63,865 | 11.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Natick, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good 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 good 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
EcoWatch's Natick, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Natick?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Natick?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Natick, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Does Natick have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Natick?
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 higher 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.