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

  • Waltham Solar Installation Cost: $12,674
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,546
  • Payback Period: 11.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Waltham

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

The average cost of a solar panel system in Waltham is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Waltham is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,674 for a solar installation, or $18,124 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.With average savings of about $23,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Waltham find investing in solar has a decent ROI.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Waltham

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,072
3 years $-7,870
5 years $-4,667
7 years $-1,465
9 years $1,738
11 years $4,941
13 years $8,143
15 years $11,346
17 years $14,549
19 years $17,751
21 years $20,954
23 years $24,156
25 years $27,359

Top Solar Installers in Waltham

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be helpful as well, especially if you aren’t sure what kind of solar equipment you need.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Waltham:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
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

See all of the solar companies in Waltham

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Waltham

Although the average cost of a solar system in Waltham is $12,674, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Waltham average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Waltham, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installer you pick will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Waltham have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $4.22 $17,734 $18,221 12.3 years
8 kW $4.14 $23,191 $24,750 12.1 years
10 kW $4.06 $28,420 $31,506 11.9 years
12 kW $3.98 $33,422 $38,489 11.6 years
14 kW $3.90 $38,196 $45,700 11.4 years
16 kW $3.82 $42,744 $53,137 11.1 years
18 kW $3.74 $47,064 $60,803 10.9 years
20 kW $3.65 $51,156 $68,695 10.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a large number of companies available in Waltham, 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:

  • Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you choose.
  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
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

EcoWatch's Waltham, MA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Waltham?

The average cost of solar panels in Waltham is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Does Waltham have a net metering program?

The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.

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.

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