Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wellesley, MA (2025 Update)
- Wellesley Solar Installation Cost: $12,529
- 25-Year Savings: $16,117
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wellesley
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Wellesley.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Wellesley, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.4-kW system would cost about $12,529 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Wellesley homeowner can save about $22,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Wellesley for a quote for your home.
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
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Plus, if you’re not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Wellesley, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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
While the average cost of a solar system in Wellesley is $12,529, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system 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 influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Wellesley have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Wellesley is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Additionally, some companies in Wellesley are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $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
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Wellesley?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Wellesley. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. 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?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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.