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

  • Wellesley Solar Installation Cost: $12,529
  • 25-Year Savings: $16,117
  • Payback Period: 12.4 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 Wellesley

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

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Wellesley typically cost about 4.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Wellesley, most homeowners require a 4.4-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,529, or $17,916 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Wellesley homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Wellesley

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,063
3 years $-8,130
5 years $-5,196
7 years $-2,263
9 years $670
11 years $3,603
13 years $6,537
15 years $9,470
17 years $12,403
19 years $15,336
21 years $18,269
23 years $21,203
25 years $24,136

Top Solar Installers in Wellesley

Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra time and know-how. That's why most people choose a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.

If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Wellesley:

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 Wellesley

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wellesley

There are many criteria that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,060.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they lower 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 switching to solar energy more accessible for Wellesley homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can affect how much it costs. Wellesley’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

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 $16,548 12.9 years
8 kW $4.14 $23,191 $22,519 12.7 years
10 kW $4.06 $28,420 $28,717 12.4 years
12 kW $3.98 $33,422 $35,143 12.2 years
14 kW $3.90 $38,196 $41,796 11.9 years
16 kW $3.82 $42,744 $48,676 11.7 years
18 kW $3.74 $47,064 $55,784 11.4 years
20 kW $3.65 $51,156 $63,119 11.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.

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 Wellesley, MA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Wellesley?

The average cost of solar panels in Wellesley is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Can you get solar panels for free in Wellesley?

Solar panels aren’t free in Wellesley, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.

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

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,142.75 per year.

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 requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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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