Solar Panel Cost Guide in Waltham, MA (2025 Update)
- Waltham Solar Installation Cost: $12,674
- 25-Year Savings: $17,546
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Waltham
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Waltham.
In Waltham, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.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.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Waltham homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Waltham can save about $23,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To see 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
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Waltham:
See all of the solar companies in Waltham
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Waltham
The cost of installing a solar system in Waltham can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider 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
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Waltham homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.When figuring 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 company you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Waltham, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, 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 | $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
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Waltham have a net metering program?
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 offer you credit toward your future power bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.