Solar Panel Cost Guide in Northborough, MA (2024 Update)
- Northborough Solar Installation Cost: $12,726
- 25-Year Savings: $14,199
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Northborough
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Northborough.
The average cost of a solar system in Northborough is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $12,726 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on your specific situation and what company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Northborough can save around $20,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
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 Northborough
| 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 Northborough
When going solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since putting up a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Northborough, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
See all of the solar companies in Northborough
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Northborough
For many Northborough homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Northborough, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Northborough, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly impact 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 think about 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 for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Northborough homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Northborough, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Northborough know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about 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 | $4.22 | $17,734 | $13,639 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $18,641 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $23,869 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $29,325 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $35,008 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $40,919 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $47,057 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $53,422 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model 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:
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which brand 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 options before deciding.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
EcoWatch's Northborough, MA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Northborough?
The average cost of solar panels in Northborough 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 consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Northborough?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 financial benefits from going solar.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,045.78 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Northborough?
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 larger amount 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.