Solar Panel Cost Guide in Natick, MA (2023 Update)

  • Natick Solar Installation Cost: $9,178
  • 25-Year Savings: $16,469
  • Payback Period: 8.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Natick

See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Natick.

In Natick, solar panels cost about 2.94 per watt on average. Because a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Natick, the average price of going solar will be about $9,179 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Natick homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $22,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a personalized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Natick

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-7,576
3 years $-4,374
5 years $-1,171
7 years $2,032
9 years $5,234
11 years $8,437
13 years $11,640
15 years $14,842
17 years $18,045
19 years $21,247
21 years $24,450
23 years $27,653
25 years $30,855

Top Solar Installers in Natick

Installing solar panels on your own can be a dangerous task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.

If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 dependent on several factors. The largest 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

The size of the solar panel system you need, 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 equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Natick average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Natick, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Natick is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.

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 $21,665 9.3 years
8 kW $3.00 $16,793 $29,215 9.1 years
10 kW $2.94 $20,580 $36,931 8.9 years
12 kW $2.88 $24,202 $44,811 8.8 years
14 kW $2.82 $27,660 $52,855 8.6 years
16 kW $2.76 $30,952 $61,065 8.4 years
18 kW $2.70 $34,080 $69,439 8.2 years
20 kW $2.65 $37,044 $77,977 8.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Natick?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,150.21 per year.

How long do solar panels last in Natick?

Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.

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.

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