Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stow, MA (2023 Update)
- Stow Solar Installation Cost: $9,179
- 25-Year Savings: $14,074
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stow
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Stow.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Stow generally cost about 2.94. The average Stow 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.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Stow see about $20,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Stow
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,249 |
| 3 years | $-6,388 |
| 5 years | $-4,528 |
| 7 years | $-2,668 |
| 9 years | $-808 |
| 11 years | $1,052 |
| 13 years | $2,912 |
| 15 years | $4,773 |
| 17 years | $6,633 |
| 19 years | $8,493 |
| 21 years | $10,353 |
| 23 years | $12,213 |
| 25 years | $14,074 |
Top Solar Installers in Stow
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a challenging task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another benefit of using a solar company is that they can help you maximize your ROI by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Stow:
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 Stow
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stow
There are a number of factors that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Stow, 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 usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,940 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Stow, 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
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can influence the cost. Stow's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies 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 decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is 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 | $18,443 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $24,920 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $31,561 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $38,367 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $45,338 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $52,474 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $59,774 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $67,238 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Stow, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Stow, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Stow?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Stow?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
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 $1,042.82 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.