Solar Panel Cost Guide in Charlton, MA (2024 Update)

  • Charlton Solar Installation Cost: $12,726
  • 25-Year Savings: $16,709
  • Payback Period: 12.3 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

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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 Charlton

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Charlton.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Charlton it’s 4 per watt.Because a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Charlton, the average price of going solar will be about $12,726 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs may differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.Even with the large initial cost, the average Charlton homeowner can save around $22,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Charlton for a personalized quote.

Solar savings over time in Charlton

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,002
3 years $-7,556
5 years $-4,109
7 years $-662
9 years $2,785
11 years $6,232
13 years $9,679
15 years $13,126
17 years $16,572
19 years $20,019
21 years $23,466
23 years $26,913
25 years $30,360

Top Solar Installers in Charlton

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Another benefit of going with a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your ROI by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.

If you're looking for a solar company in Charlton, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:

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 Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

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

See all of the solar companies in Charlton

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Charlton

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Charlton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,060.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Charlton, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s wise 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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Charlton, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually 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 extra 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 $4.22 $17,734 $17,003 12.8 years
8 kW $4.14 $23,191 $23,125 12.5 years
10 kW $4.06 $28,420 $29,475 12.3 years
12 kW $3.98 $33,422 $36,052 12.0 years
14 kW $3.90 $38,196 $42,856 11.8 years
16 kW $3.82 $42,744 $49,888 11.5 years
18 kW $3.74 $47,064 $57,147 11.3 years
20 kW $3.65 $51,156 $64,634 11.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you go with will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.

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 Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

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

EcoWatch's Charlton, MA Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Charlton?

Solar panels aren’t free in Charlton, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.

Is it worth going solar in Charlton?

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 long do solar panels last in Charlton?

Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of 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 continue to use 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.

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