Solar Panel Cost Guide in Needham, MA (2023 Update)
- Needham Solar Installation Cost: $9,076
- 25-Year Savings: $16,049
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Needham
We break down average solar pricing in Needham.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Needham typically cost about 2.94. The average Needham homeowner needs a 4.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,076 with the federal tax credit, or $12,979 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Needham homeowners see about $22,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Needham that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Needham
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,071 |
| 3 years | $-6,061 |
| 5 years | $-4,051 |
| 7 years | $-2,041 |
| 9 years | $-31 |
| 11 years | $1,979 |
| 13 years | $3,989 |
| 15 years | $5,999 |
| 17 years | $8,009 |
| 19 years | $10,019 |
| 21 years | $12,029 |
| 23 years | $14,039 |
| 25 years | $16,049 |
Top Solar Installers in Needham
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your location and energy consumption, but working with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
Working with a licensed 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 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 Needham
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Needham
Though the average cost of a solar system in Needham is $9,076, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,940. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Needham, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Needham to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $3.06 | $12,842 | $21,352 | 9.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $28,798 | 9.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $36,409 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $44,185 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $52,126 | 8.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $60,231 | 8.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $68,500 | 8.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $76,935 | 8.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- 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 most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Needham, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Needham?
The average cost of solar panels in Needham is about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Needham?
You can't get solar panels for free in Needham. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Needham, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.