Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sherborn, MA (Sep 2022)
- Sherborn Solar Installation Cost: $9,179
- 25-Year Savings: $16,925
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
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Updated 9/16/2022
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sherborn
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Sherborn.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Sherborn it's $3 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 4.5 would cost about $9,179 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Sherborn homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $22,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Sherborn
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,135 |
| 3 years | $-6,046 |
| 5 years | $-3,958 |
| 7 years | $-1,870 |
| 9 years | $218 |
| 11 years | $2,307 |
| 13 years | $4,395 |
| 15 years | $6,483 |
| 17 years | $8,572 |
| 19 years | $10,660 |
| 21 years | $12,748 |
| 23 years | $14,836 |
| 25 years | $16,925 |
Top Solar Installers in Sherborn
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a stressful task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your home.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Sherborn, we've compiled 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 Technology
The Green Panel
- 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 Sherborn
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sherborn
The cost of installing a solar system in Sherborn can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment Size
System size is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and kind of equipment you get 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 come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater 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
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. 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 come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and choose a 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 | $22,279 | 9.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $30,034 | 9.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $37,955 | 8.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $46,039 | 8.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $54,289 | 8.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $62,703 | 8.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $71,282 | 8.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $80,025 | 7.9 years |
Solar Incentives in Sherborn
| Name | Residential Renewable Energy Income Tax Credit |
| Incentive Amount | 15% |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Renewable Energy Equipment Sales Tax Exemption |
| Incentive Amount | 100% exemption |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Alternative Energy and Energy Conservation Patent Income Tax Deduction (Personal) |
| Incentive Amount | 100% deduction |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Renewable Energy Property Tax Exemption |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Cape Light Compact- Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Mass Solar Loan Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Residential and Small-Scale Ground-Source Heat Pump Rebate Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Commonwealth Woodstove Change-Out Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Local Option - Energy Revolving Loan Fund |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SREC-II) |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
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 a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. 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
The Green Panel
- 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 Sherborn, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sherborn?
The average cost of solar panels in Sherborn 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 stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Sherborn?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Sherborn, 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 contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.
