Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hopkinton, NH (2024 Update)

  • Hopkinton Solar Installation Cost: $14,710
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,573
  • Payback Period: 15.5 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

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Hopkinton

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

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Hopkinton typically cost about 4.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Hopkinton, most homeowners require a 5.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $14,710, or $21,035 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Hopkinton depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Hopkinton homeowner can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Hopkinton

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-13,303
3 years $-10,489
5 years $-7,676
7 years $-4,862
9 years $-2,048
11 years $765
13 years $3,579
15 years $6,392
17 years $9,206
19 years $12,020
21 years $14,833
23 years $17,647
25 years $20,461

Top Solar Installers in Hopkinton

Installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another advantage of working with a solar company is that they can help you optimize your investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:

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 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

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

See all of the solar companies in Hopkinton

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hopkinton

For many Hopkinton homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Hopkinton, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Hopkinton, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $4,220 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get 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

If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s wise to factor 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

The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Hopkinton, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 $4.39 $18,433 $10,143 16.1 years
8 kW $4.30 $24,105 $13,997 15.8 years
10 kW $4.22 $29,540 $18,086 15.5 years
12 kW $4.14 $34,739 $22,413 15.2 years
14 kW $4.05 $39,702 $26,975 14.9 years
16 kW $3.97 $44,428 $31,774 14.6 years
18 kW $3.88 $48,918 $36,809 14.3 years
20 kW $3.80 $53,172 $42,081 14.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

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

  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.

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 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

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

EcoWatch's Hopkinton, NH Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $21,100 for a 5-kW system and $42,200 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Is it worth going solar in Hopkinton?

Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty 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 how much 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 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.

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