Solar Panel Cost Guide in Boston, MA (2024 Update)
- Boston Solar Installation Cost: $12,487
- 25-Year Savings: $17,041
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Boston
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Boston.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Boston, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Since a 4.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Boston, the average price of going solar will be about $12,487 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $23,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Boston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,882 |
| 3 years | $-7,670 |
| 5 years | $-4,458 |
| 7 years | $-1,247 |
| 9 years | $1,965 |
| 11 years | $5,177 |
| 13 years | $8,388 |
| 15 years | $11,600 |
| 17 years | $14,812 |
| 19 years | $18,023 |
| 21 years | $21,235 |
| 23 years | $24,447 |
| 25 years | $27,658 |
Top Solar Installers in Boston
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra time and know-how. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Another good thing about using a reliable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Boston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Boston
For many Boston homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Boston, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $4,060 per kilowatt in Boston.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Boston average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Boston, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Boston, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $17,884 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $24,300 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $30,943 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $37,814 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $44,912 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $52,238 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $59,791 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $67,571 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Boston, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Boston?
The average cost of solar panels in Boston is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Boston?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Boston?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.