Solar Panel Cost Guide in Somerville, MA (2024 Update)
- Somerville Solar Installation Cost: $12,674
- 25-Year Savings: $16,849
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Somerville
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Somerville.
In Somerville, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Somerville, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,674, or $18,124 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Somerville homeowner can save about $22,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Somerville that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Somerville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,981 |
| 3 years | $-7,595 |
| 5 years | $-4,209 |
| 7 years | $-823 |
| 9 years | $2,562 |
| 11 years | $5,948 |
| 13 years | $9,334 |
| 15 years | $12,720 |
| 17 years | $16,106 |
| 19 years | $19,491 |
| 21 years | $22,877 |
| 23 years | $26,263 |
| 25 years | $29,649 |
Top Solar Installers in Somerville
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar company too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Somerville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Somerville
Though the average cost of a solar system in Somerville is $12,674, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Somerville, 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 consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Somerville, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Somerville, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Somerville is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Somerville know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $17,284 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $23,499 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $29,943 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $36,613 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $43,511 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $50,637 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $57,989 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $65,569 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panel system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
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 Somerville, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Somerville?
The average cost of solar panels in Somerville is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Somerville?
Solar panels aren’t free in Somerville, 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 you can take advantage of.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.