Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Reading, MA (2023 Update)
- North Reading Solar Installation Cost: $9,179
- 25-Year Savings: $14,504
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Reading
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in North Reading.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in North Reading generally cost around 2.94. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in North Reading, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $9,179, or $13,126 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in North Reading based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in North Reading
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,231 |
| 3 years | $-6,337 |
| 5 years | $-4,442 |
| 7 years | $-2,548 |
| 9 years | $-653 |
| 11 years | $1,242 |
| 13 years | $3,136 |
| 15 years | $5,031 |
| 17 years | $6,925 |
| 19 years | $8,820 |
| 21 years | $10,714 |
| 23 years | $12,609 |
| 25 years | $14,504 |
Top Solar Installers in North Reading
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 North Reading
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Reading
There are several factors that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like North Reading, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can impact the cost. North Reading's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within 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 | $3.06 | $12,842 | $19,022 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $25,691 | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $32,526 | 9.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $39,525 | 9.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $46,689 | 9.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $54,017 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $61,510 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $69,168 | 8.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel 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 difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous 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 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 North Reading, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in North Reading?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does North Reading have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.