Solar Panel Cost Guide in Watertown Town, MA (2024 Update)

  • Watertown Town Solar Installation Cost: $12,674
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,755
  • Payback Period: 11.0 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 Watertown Town

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Watertown Town.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Watertown Town it’s 4 per watt.The average Watertown Town homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,674 with the federal tax credit, or $18,124 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Watertown Town can save about $25,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Watertown Town for a custom quote.

Solar savings over time in Watertown Town

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 Watertown Town

Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy consumption, but working with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.

Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

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 Watertown Town

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Watertown Town

The cost of installing a solar system in Watertown Town can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $4,060 per kilowatt in Watertown Town.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Watertown Town average.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Watertown Town homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Watertown Town, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, 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 $21,193 11.4 years
8 kW $4.14 $23,191 $28,712 11.2 years
10 kW $4.06 $28,420 $36,458 11.0 years
12 kW $3.98 $33,422 $44,432 10.7 years
14 kW $3.90 $38,196 $52,633 10.5 years
16 kW $3.82 $42,744 $61,061 10.3 years
18 kW $3.74 $47,064 $69,717 10.1 years
20 kW $3.65 $51,156 $78,600 9.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a large number of companies to choose from in Watertown Town, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
  • Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.

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 Watertown Town, MA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Watertown Town?

The average cost of solar panels in Watertown Town 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 kind 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 a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities 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.

How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?

It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Watertown Town, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.

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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