Solar Panel Cost Guide in Newton, NH (2023 Update)
- Newton Solar Installation Cost: $9,818
- 25-Year Savings: $12,614
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Newton
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Newton.
The average cost of a solar system in Newton is 2.91 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Newton, most homeowners require a 4.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $9,818, or $14,040 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Newton homeowner can save about $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Newton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,921 |
| 3 years | $-7,126 |
| 5 years | $-5,332 |
| 7 years | $-3,537 |
| 9 years | $-1,743 |
| 11 years | $52 |
| 13 years | $1,847 |
| 15 years | $3,641 |
| 17 years | $5,436 |
| 19 years | $7,230 |
| 21 years | $9,025 |
| 23 years | $10,820 |
| 25 years | $12,614 |
Top Solar Installers in Newton
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for you.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Newton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Newton
For many Newton homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Newton, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production 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 $2,910. The brand 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 is more than 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Newton to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can impact the cost. Newton's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with 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 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 | $3.03 | $12,711 | $15,217 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.97 | $16,622 | $20,616 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.91 | $20,370 | $26,177 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.85 | $23,955 | $31,902 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.79 | $27,377 | $37,789 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.74 | $30,636 | $43,839 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.68 | $33,733 | $50,052 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.62 | $36,666 | $56,429 | 9.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, 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: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Newton, NH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Newton?
The average cost of solar panels in Newton is about $14,550 for a 5-kW system and $29,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Newton?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Newton?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.