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
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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 account for 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 about $12,674, or $18,124 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.With typical savings of about $22,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Somerville find investing in solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Somerville that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Somerville
| Year | Return 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
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a dangerous task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Somerville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Somerville
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Somerville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels 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 largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total 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 Somerville, 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 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 lower, or in some cases 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 system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $17,284 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $23,499 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $29,943 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $36,613 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $43,511 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $50,637 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $57,989 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $65,569 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Somerville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 Somerville, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Somerville?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels 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 can further reduce the cost.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.