Solar panels are everywhere in Massachusetts. You’ve probably seen them on plenty of rooftops in your own neighborhood, and you may be wondering how so many of your friends and neighbors can afford them. Aren’t solar panels expensive?
Solar panels are an investment, but they aren’t as expensive as you might think. Solar installation costs have decreased significantly in recent years, and incentives like the federal solar tax credit, net metering, and SMART have made solar costs in Massachusetts even more affordable.
When we talk about the cost of a solar installation, most of us only think about the panels. But there’s more to a solar energy system than just the panels, and every component impacts cost.
The solar panels themselves are the primary expense when it comes to solar installation. Panels vary in price depending on how efficient they are and how much energy they can produce. Boston Solar installs a variety of high-quality options ranging from 365 to 425W.
Solar inverters convert the electrical current your solar panels generate into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is what we use to power our homes and businesses. The type of inverter you choose will affect your total system cost, but higher-quality inverters like the Enphase microinverters Boston Solar installs maximize your electricity production, making a high-quality inverter worth the higher cost.
Solar battery storage will increase the cost of your solar panel installation, but solar batteries give you backup power when the grid is down and you can use them to avoid peak electricity rates. For many homeowners in Massachusetts, battery storage is worth the extra cost.
Additional accessories like snow guards and critter guards can also add to your installation costs, but these add-ons will protect your solar panels and can help them last longer.
In some homes—older homes especially—electrical panel upgrades are needed before solar panels can be installed. Your solar installation costs could be higher or lower depending on whether you need an electrical panel upgrade.
Labor costs will account for a significant portion of your total solar panel installation costs, but this isn’t an area where you should skimp to save a few bucks. Your solar panels need to be installed correctly in order to work properly, and you risk a poor installation when you only think about price. When you’re investing in a solar energy system, a reputable, experienced installer is well worth the cost and will give you invaluable peace of mind.
You need a permit to install solar panels in Massachusetts, and you also need to have your system connected to the electric grid (unless you install off-grid solar panels). You’ll have to pay a fee for permitting and for your grid interconnection, which can vary depending on where you live and who your utility provider is.
There are a number of solar incentives available to Massachusetts residents that help reduce the upfront cost of a solar installation and help speed up your return on investment. One of the best incentives currently available is the federal solar tax credit, which allows you to reduce your federal taxes by 30% of your total solar installation costs. This incentive was recently expanded by the Inflation Reduction Act and will be available for residential and commercial solar installations until 2032.
Every solar energy system Boston Solar installs is fully customized. We use our many years of experience and local expertise to recommend the best solar products for Massachusetts homes and will design a system that meets your specific needs. We’ll help you navigate all of the options available, including the tax credits, solar incentives, and financing options you may want to take advantage of, so you can get the best deal on a high-quality solar energy system.
Solar is worth it in MA and can help you save tens of thousands of dollars over the next 25+ years. Boston Solar offers fair and honest pricing and can give you all the information you need about how much solar panels cost in Massachusetts so you can make the best decision for your home. We’ve installed over 5,000 solar energy systems and are a leading local solar provider near you in MA.
Find out how much solar panels cost for your home. Call 617-858-1645 or contact us to get a free estimate.
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