Solar Panel Cost Guide in Boston, NY (2024 Update)
- Boston Solar Installation Cost: $11,696
- 25-Year Savings: $5,875
- Payback Period: 19.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Boston
Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Boston.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Boston is 4 per watt.The average Boston homeowner needs a 4.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,696 with the federal tax credit, or $16,725 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.With typical savings of about $13,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Boston find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Boston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,870 |
| 3 years | $-9,218 |
| 5 years | $-7,566 |
| 7 years | $-5,914 |
| 9 years | $-4,263 |
| 11 years | $-2,611 |
| 13 years | $-959 |
| 15 years | $693 |
| 17 years | $2,345 |
| 19 years | $3,997 |
| 21 years | $5,648 |
| 23 years | $7,300 |
| 25 years | $8,952 |
Top Solar Installers in Boston
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Boston, thereby optimizing your ROI.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Boston:
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 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 a few factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels 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 better 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 $3,650.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Boston, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Boston homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can influence how much you pay. Boston’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.80 | $15,943 | $4,147 | 19.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $5,938 | 19.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $7,933 | 19.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $10,133 | 18.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $12,537 | 18.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $15,146 | 17.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $17,959 | 17.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $20,977 | 17.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Boston, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Boston?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 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 higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Boston have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs 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 home 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.