Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stoneham, MA (2023 Update)
- Stoneham Solar Installation Cost: $9,178
- 25-Year Savings: $16,443
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stoneham
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Stoneham.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Stoneham, the average cost of solar panels is 2.94 per watt. The average Stoneham homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,179 with the federal tax credit, or $13,126 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Stoneham
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,515 |
| 3 years | $-4,190 |
| 5 years | $-866 |
| 7 years | $2,459 |
| 9 years | $5,784 |
| 11 years | $9,109 |
| 13 years | $12,433 |
| 15 years | $15,758 |
| 17 years | $19,083 |
| 19 years | $22,408 |
| 21 years | $25,732 |
| 23 years | $29,057 |
| 25 years | $32,382 |
Top Solar Installers in Stoneham
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a dangerous task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your home.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Stoneham:
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 Stoneham
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stoneham
The cost of installing a solar system in Stoneham can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, 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 model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Stoneham to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger 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 | $21,630 | 9.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $29,169 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $36,873 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $44,741 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $52,775 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $60,972 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $69,335 | 8.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $77,862 | 8.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Stoneham, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable 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 good reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you hire.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project 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 Stoneham, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Stoneham?
The average cost of solar panels in Stoneham 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Stoneham?
You can't get solar panels for free in Stoneham. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Stoneham?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
How long do solar panels last in Stoneham?
Although 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 opt to 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.