Solar Panel Cost Guide in Newton, MA (2024 Update)
- Newton Solar Installation Cost: $12,674
- 25-Year Savings: $16,989
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Newton
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Newton.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Newton is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Newton, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,674, or $18,124 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you may look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar installation company in Newton, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Newton
| 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 Newton
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a difficult project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’re not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Newton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Newton
The cost of installing a solar system in Newton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household 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 determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Newton is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.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 of more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $17,471 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $23,750 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $30,256 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $36,989 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $43,950 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $51,138 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $58,553 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $66,196 | 10.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected 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.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’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 the company going out of business.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Newton, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Newton?
The average cost of solar panels in Newton is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to consider 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.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Newton, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Newton?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely 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 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.