Solar Panel Cost Guide in Boston, MI (2023 Update)
- Boston Solar Installation Cost: $12,127
- 25-Year Savings: $21,766
- Payback Period: 8.9 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Boston
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Boston.
The average cost of a solar system in Boston is 2.81 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Boston, most homeowners require a 6.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,136, or $17,354 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Boston homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Boston can save about $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in Boston for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Boston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,014 |
| 3 years | $-11,788 |
| 5 years | $-11,562 |
| 7 years | $-11,336 |
| 9 years | $-11,110 |
| 11 years | $-10,884 |
| 13 years | $-10,658 |
| 15 years | $-10,432 |
| 17 years | $-10,206 |
| 19 years | $-9,980 |
| 21 years | $-9,754 |
| 23 years | $-9,528 |
| 25 years | $-9,302 |
Top Solar Installers in Boston
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your location and energy use, but going with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
See all of the solar companies in Boston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Boston
There are several 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 size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,810. The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Boston is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. Additionally, some companies in Boston 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 walking you through the whole process. 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 | $2.92 | $12,274 | $20,711 | 9.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $27,929 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $35,305 | 8.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $42,838 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $50,529 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $58,377 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $66,382 | 8.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $74,544 | 8.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind 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 select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability 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: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the durability of your solar system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
EcoWatch's Boston, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Boston?
The average cost of solar panels in Boston is about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Boston?
You can't get solar panels for free in Boston. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power 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 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.