Solar Panel Cost Guide in Watertown Town, MA (2023 Update)
- Watertown Town Solar Installation Cost: $9,179
- 25-Year Savings: $19,753
- Payback Period: 7.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Watertown Town
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Watertown Town.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Watertown Town generally cost around 2.94. Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $9,179 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will vary based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with. Even with the significant initial cost, the average Watertown Town homeowner can save about $25,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To get a free estimate from a top solar installer in Watertown Town, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Watertown Town
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,021 |
| 3 years | $-5,707 |
| 5 years | $-3,392 |
| 7 years | $-1,078 |
| 9 years | $1,237 |
| 11 years | $3,551 |
| 13 years | $5,866 |
| 15 years | $8,181 |
| 17 years | $10,495 |
| 19 years | $12,810 |
| 21 years | $15,124 |
| 23 years | $17,439 |
| 25 years | $19,753 |
Top Solar Installers in Watertown Town
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra effort and know-how. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Watertown Town, therefore optimizing your ROI.
There are a number of 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 Watertown Town
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Watertown Town
For many Watertown Town homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Watertown Town, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Watertown Town to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices 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 how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Watertown Town is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $26,085 | 8.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $35,109 | 8.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $44,298 | 7.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $53,652 | 7.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $63,170 | 7.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $72,853 | 7.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $82,700 | 7.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $92,712 | 7.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Even 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 what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
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 Watertown Town, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Watertown Town?
The average cost of solar panels in Watertown Town is about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real 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 Watertown Town?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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 buy 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.