Solar Panel Cost Guide in Somerville, MA (2024 Update)

  • Somerville Solar Installation Cost: $12,674
  • 25-Year Savings: $16,849
  • Payback Period: 12.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Somerville

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Somerville.

In Somerville, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Somerville, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,674, or $18,124 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Somerville homeowner can save about $22,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Somerville that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Somerville

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-10,981
3 years$-7,595
5 years$-4,209
7 years$-823
9 years$2,562
11 years$5,948
13 years$9,334
15 years$12,720
17 years$16,106
19 years$19,491
21 years$22,877
23 years$26,263
25 years$29,649

Top Solar Installers in Somerville

DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar company too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.

If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Solar Veteran

Trinity Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Many financing options
  • Family-owned and -operated
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Limited service area
  • Relatively short workmanship warranty

See all of the solar companies in Somerville

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Somerville

Though the average cost of a solar system in Somerville is $12,674, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Somerville, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $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 Somerville, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited 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

For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Somerville, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Somerville is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Somerville know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.22$17,734$17,28412.7 years
8 kW$4.14$23,191$23,49912.4 years
10 kW$4.06$28,420$29,94312.2 years
12 kW$3.98$33,422$36,61311.9 years
14 kW$3.90$38,196$43,51111.7 years
16 kW$3.82$42,744$50,63711.4 years
18 kW$3.74$47,064$57,98911.2 years
20 kW$3.65$51,156$65,56911.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panel system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
  • Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Solar Veteran

Trinity Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Many financing options
  • Family-owned and -operated
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Limited service area
  • Relatively short workmanship warranty

EcoWatch's Somerville, MA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Somerville?

The average cost of solar panels in Somerville 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Can you get solar panels for free in Somerville?

Solar panels aren’t free in Somerville, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.

Is going solar worth it?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.