Solar Panel Cost Guide in Northborough, MA (2024 Update)
- Northborough Solar Installation Cost: $12,726
- 25-Year Savings: $14,199
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Northborough
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Northborough.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Northborough generally cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $12,726 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Northborough can save around $20,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
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 Northborough
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,002 |
| 3 years | $-7,556 |
| 5 years | $-4,109 |
| 7 years | $-662 |
| 9 years | $2,785 |
| 11 years | $6,232 |
| 13 years | $9,679 |
| 15 years | $13,126 |
| 17 years | $16,572 |
| 19 years | $20,019 |
| 21 years | $23,466 |
| 23 years | $26,913 |
| 25 years | $30,360 |
Top Solar Installers in Northborough
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, opting for a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Northborough, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Northborough
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Northborough
There are many criteria that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Northborough, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Northborough, 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 a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Northborough homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Northborough, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have more resources and bulk 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 promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $13,639 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $18,641 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $23,869 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $29,325 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $35,008 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $40,919 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $47,057 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $53,422 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar energy system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Northborough, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Northborough?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Northborough?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,045.78 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Northborough?
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 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.