Solar Panel Cost Guide in Needham, MA (2025 Update)
- Needham Solar Installation Cost: $12,529
- 25-Year Savings: $16,052
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Needham
We break down average solar pricing in Needham.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Needham, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Needham is around 4.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,529 for a solar installation, or $17,916 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs may vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Needham can save around $22,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Needham
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,108 |
| 3 years | $-8,264 |
| 5 years | $-5,421 |
| 7 years | $-2,577 |
| 9 years | $266 |
| 11 years | $3,109 |
| 13 years | $5,953 |
| 15 years | $8,796 |
| 17 years | $11,640 |
| 19 years | $14,483 |
| 21 years | $17,327 |
| 23 years | $20,170 |
| 25 years | $23,013 |
Top Solar Installers in Needham
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for you.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Needham
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Needham
While the average cost of a solar system in Needham is $12,529, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production need 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 $4,060.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Needham homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Needham is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $16,460 | 13.0 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $22,401 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $28,569 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $34,965 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $41,589 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $48,439 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $55,517 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $62,823 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Needham, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Needham?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Needham?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Does Needham 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 generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy 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 Needham?
Although 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 decide to 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.