Solar Panel Cost Guide in Somerville, MA (2023 Update)
- Somerville Solar Installation Cost: $9,178
- 25-Year Savings: $16,849
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Somerville
We go over average solar pricing in Somerville.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Somerville typically cost about 2.94. The average solar panel system size in Somerville is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,179 for a solar installation, or $13,126 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $22,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Somerville find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Somerville for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Somerville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,091 |
| 3 years | $-8,917 |
| 5 years | $-8,744 |
| 7 years | $-8,570 |
| 9 years | $-8,397 |
| 11 years | $-8,223 |
| 13 years | $-8,050 |
| 15 years | $-7,876 |
| 17 years | $-7,703 |
| 19 years | $-7,529 |
| 21 years | $-7,356 |
| 23 years | $-7,182 |
| 25 years | $-7,009 |
Top Solar Installers in Somerville
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your family.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Somerville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Somerville
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Somerville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,940. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Somerville average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Somerville homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's important 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 making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can influence how much it costs. Somerville's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $22,176 | 9.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $29,897 | 9.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $37,783 | 8.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $45,833 | 8.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $54,048 | 8.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $62,428 | 8.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $70,972 | 8.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $79,681 | 7.9 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 a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Somerville, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Somerville?
The average cost of solar panels in Somerville 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Somerville?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 incentives 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 energy bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located 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 $1,167.25 per year.
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 larger level 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.