*Prices are shown after applying the 30% federal tax credit.
As of Apr 2024, the average cost of solar panels in Charlestown is $2.63 per watt making a typical 6000 watt (6 kW) solar system $11,058 after claiming the 30% federal solar tax credit now available.
This is lower than the average price of residential solar power systems across the United States which is currently $3.00 per watt.
The size of a solar panel system also plays a role in how much the installation will cost.
Larger solar installations will typically have a lower cost per watt, because the panels can be purchased at a ‘bulk price’. However, these larger solar systems will still have a higher total cost, because they are made up of more individual panels.
System size* | Avg cost per watt |
Avg system cost
(After tax credit) show before tax |
---|---|---|
4kW | $2.88 | $8,052 |
5kW | $2.76 | $9,655 |
6kW | $2.63 | $11,058 |
7kW | $2.61 | $12,778 |
8kW | $2.66 | $14,911 |
9kW | $2.55 | $16,059 |
10kW | $2.52 | $17,668 |
Best unit price
$320.00 ($0.96 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$12,721.85
($2.53 p/w)
LG335N1K-V5 overview
Rated power
335 watts
Efficiency
19.6
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
KR
Best unit price
$562.50 ($1.50 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$12,120.18
($2.49 p/w)
LG375A1C-V5 overview
Rated power
375 watts
Efficiency
21.7
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
KR
Best unit price
$430.00 ($1.15 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$12,919.30
($2.65 p/w)
LG375Q1C-V5 overview
Rated power
375 watts
Efficiency
21.7
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
KR
Best unit price
$473.34 ($1.30 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$13,231.07
($2.59 p/w)
LG365Q1K-V5 overview
Rated power
365 watts
Efficiency
21.1
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
KR
Best unit price
$432.00 ($1.20 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$13,276.66
($2.63 p/w)
LG360Q1K-V5 overview
Rated power
360 watts
Efficiency
20.8
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$530.85 ($1.50 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$12,386.87
($2.49 p/w)
LG355Q1K-V5 overview
Rated power
355 watts
Efficiency
20.6
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$495.00 ($1.38 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$13,091.06
($2.60 p/w)
LG360Q1C-V5 overview
Rated power
360 watts
Efficiency
20.8
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$407.97 ($1.10 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.2kW system
$13,159.30
($2.54 p/w)
LG370Q1C-V5 overview
Rated power
370 watts
Efficiency
21.4
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$323.39 ($0.97 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$12,691.01
($2.53 p/w)
LG335N1C-V5 overview
Rated power
335 watts
Efficiency
19.6
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$338.19 ($0.99 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$0.00
($0.00 p/w)
LG340N1C-V5 overview
Rated power
340 watts
Efficiency
19.8
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$600.00 ($1.83 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$12,808.41
($2.61 p/w)
SPR-E20-327-COM overview
Rated power
327 watts
Efficiency
20.4
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$800.00 ($2.22 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$13,201.67
($2.62 p/w)
SPR-X22-360 overview
Rated power
360 watts
Efficiency
22.2
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$620.00 ($1.90 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$13,703.10
($2.79 p/w)
SPR-E20-327-D-AC overview
Rated power
327 watts
Efficiency
20.4
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$620.00 ($1.90 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$13,610.59
($2.77 p/w)
SPR-E20-327 overview
Rated power
327 watts
Efficiency
20.4
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$181.00 ($0.60 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$11,003.04
($2.16 p/w)
CS6K-300MS overview
Rated power
300 watts
Efficiency
18.33
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
CA
Best unit price
$196.11 ($0.65 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$9,948.02
($1.95 p/w)
LR6-60-HPB-300M overview
Rated power
300 watts
Efficiency
18.1
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
Best unit price
$172.00 ($0.56 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$9,568.53
($1.96 p/w)
LR6-60-HPB-305M overview
Rated power
305 watts
Efficiency
18.4
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
Best unit price
$165.00 ($0.53 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$9,761.72
($1.97 p/w)
LR6-60-HPB-310M overview
Rated power
310 watts
Efficiency
18.7
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
Best unit price
$228.00 ($0.60 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$9,579.65
($1.94 p/w)
LR4-60HPH-380M overview
Rated power
380 watts
Efficiency
20.9
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
Best unit price
$234.00 ($0.60 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$10,126.74
($2.00 p/w)
LR6-72HBD-390M overview
Rated power
390 watts
Efficiency
19.4
Number of Cells
144
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
4.91 104 Reviews
Gene, 1 day ago
After reading the reviews and doing research, we decided to go with Sunergy. Before we signed a contract with them, we had multiple phone conversations with Brandon our sales rep. He answered every question and was quick to respond. The software they use to determine your cost is amazing. So far, so good.
Read more
Gene, 1 day ago
After reading the reviews and doing research, we decided to go with Sunergy. Before we signed a contract with them, we had multiple phone conversations with Brandon our sales rep. He answered every question and was quick to respond. The software they use to determine your cost is amazing. So far, so good.
4.84 480 Reviews
Isaac, 2 days ago
I recently had a photovoltaic solar energy system installed on my roof by All Energy Solar, and overall, I am very pleased with the experience. From the start, the company's sales team made a great impression by being personable, professional, and thorough in answering all my questions. Once I signed the contract, I was assigned a dedicated customer service representative, Carlo Maloni, who kept me updated throughout the approval and installation process. His communication was excellent, and he made sure to keep me informed at each step. The interconnection approval and installation process went smoothly, despite some challenges due to the complex setup in my duplex home. The team encountered obstacles related to my neighbor's pre-existing solar array on their side of the roof, and the installation team had to develop creative solutions to work around the neighbor's equipment. Despite these hurdles, the installation team was thorough, resourceful, and respectful of my neighbor's space. While there were some minor delays due to these complexities, the team handled everything professionally and kept me informed about their progress. The timeline from "signed contract" to "first watts produced" was just under 6 months. After the installation was completed, the company continued to provide excellent follow-up service. They helped me set up the Enphase Enlighten app for real-time monitoring of my system's energy production and guided me through the process of participating in the residential energy credit (REC) market. I experienced a minor issue with the system's monitoring, but the company resolved it within hours of my call, which I greatly appreciated. In conclusion, I am very happy with the service provided by All Energy Solar. Their team was professional, knowledgeable, and attentive throughout the process. I highly recommend them for anyone considering a solar energy system installation in Boston, MA or the surrounding area.
Read more
Isaac, 2 days ago
I recently had a photovoltaic solar energy system installed on my roof by All Energy Solar, and overall, I am very pleased with the experience. From the start, the company's sales team made a great impression by being personable, professional, and thorough in answering all my questions. Once I signed the contract, I was assigned a dedicated customer service representative, Carlo Maloni, who kept me updated throughout the approval and installation process. His communication was excellent, and he made sure to keep me informed at each step. The interconnection approval and installation process went smoothly, despite some challenges due to the complex setup in my duplex home. The team encountered obstacles related to my neighbor's pre-existing solar array on their side of the roof, and the installation team had to develop creative solutions to work around the neighbor's equipment. Despite these hurdles, the installation team was thorough, resourceful, and respectful of my neighbor's space. While there were some minor delays due to these complexities, the team handled everything professionally and kept me informed about their progress. The timeline from "signed contract" to "first watts produced" was just under 6 months. After the installation was completed, the company continued to provide excellent follow-up service. They helped me set up the Enphase Enlighten app for real-time monitoring of my system's energy production and guided me through the process of participating in the residential energy credit (REC) market. I experienced a minor issue with the system's monitoring, but the company resolved it within hours of my call, which I greatly appreciated. In conclusion, I am very happy with the service provided by All Energy Solar. Their team was professional, knowledgeable, and attentive throughout the process. I highly recommend them for anyone considering a solar energy system installation in Boston, MA or the surrounding area.
4.84 216 Reviews
Stephen, 3 weeks ago
Great information from the designers showing us how it all will work for us. Great people to work with very knowledgeable in there field. The installation went great with the crew very good information again very professional.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$20,050 ($4.01 per watt)
Stephen, 3 weeks ago
Great information from the designers showing us how it all will work for us. Great people to work with very knowledgeable in there field. The installation went great with the crew very good information again very professional.
4.77 81 Reviews
Janet H., over 1 month
From start to finish this was an exceptional process. It was a throwback to a time when customer service was all about the customer. We were kept informed every step of the way, called if there was a delay for any reason, work was done timely, staff were more than competent and I was completely comfortable having them in and on my home. The work area was always cleaned before they left for the day. It was so refreshing to work with a company that does quality work, with quality products and cares about the client experience from start to finish.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$18,600 ($3.72 per watt)
Janet H., over 1 month
From start to finish this was an exceptional process. It was a throwback to a time when customer service was all about the customer. We were kept informed every step of the way, called if there was a delay for any reason, work was done timely, staff were more than competent and I was completely comfortable having them in and on my home. The work area was always cleaned before they left for the day. It was so refreshing to work with a company that does quality work, with quality products and cares about the client experience from start to finish.
4.76 307 Reviews
Very Happy Customer, 4 weeks ago
New England Clean Energy Clean, courteous, hard working and meticulous are only a few ways to describe installation crew that professionally installed my families PV solar system on our home. My wife and I were hesitant to make such a drastic change and investment to our home but New England Clean Energy made it a pressure free experience and we have been ecstatic with our decision. We met with over a dozen solar companies and many proved they would not be able to meet our high standards. From Mark in sales to the site supervisor JJ, New England Clean Energy proved they were right choice and delivered as promised!
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$21,450 ($4.29 per watt)
Very Happy Customer, 4 weeks ago
New England Clean Energy Clean, courteous, hard working and meticulous are only a few ways to describe installation crew that professionally installed my families PV solar system on our home. My wife and I were hesitant to make such a drastic change and investment to our home but New England Clean Energy made it a pressure free experience and we have been ecstatic with our decision. We met with over a dozen solar companies and many proved they would not be able to meet our high standards. From Mark in sales to the site supervisor JJ, New England Clean Energy proved they were right choice and delivered as promised!
4.67 52 Reviews
Salisbury 12.46 kW ground array, over 1 month
We wanted to sign up with a local solar company and GSS didn’t disappoint! From sales to support to technical, everyone at GSS was helpful and impressed us with their professionalism and prompt support - and actually completed the install ahead of their estimated date! Our system is running flawlessly!
Read more
Salisbury 12.46 kW ground array, over 1 month
We wanted to sign up with a local solar company and GSS didn’t disappoint! From sales to support to technical, everyone at GSS was helpful and impressed us with their professionalism and prompt support - and actually completed the install ahead of their estimated date! Our system is running flawlessly!
4.61 26 Reviews
Rich Engler, over 1 month
From the start of my time working with 603 Solar, Zach and the team were extremely knowledgeable, transparent, and prompt! Zach answered all of my questions that I first had during our initial phone conversation in June. At the time, the Federal credit was going to be reduced from 26% to 22%. Understanding that greater than 6 months was an unreasonable leadtime, Zach assured me that if my project was not completed before 12/31/2022, 603 Solar would have given me the additional 4% credit I would have lost. We also ran into a few slight hiccups with my town building inspector, but Zach kept me in the loop every step of the way and was able to come to a resolution to keep our project moving forward. I would highly recommend Zach and 603 Solar for your project!
Read more
Rich Engler, over 1 month
From the start of my time working with 603 Solar, Zach and the team were extremely knowledgeable, transparent, and prompt! Zach answered all of my questions that I first had during our initial phone conversation in June. At the time, the Federal credit was going to be reduced from 26% to 22%. Understanding that greater than 6 months was an unreasonable leadtime, Zach assured me that if my project was not completed before 12/31/2022, 603 Solar would have given me the additional 4% credit I would have lost. We also ran into a few slight hiccups with my town building inspector, but Zach kept me in the loop every step of the way and was able to come to a resolution to keep our project moving forward. I would highly recommend Zach and 603 Solar for your project!
4.33 15 Reviews
Trixie G, over 1 month
Thank you David and the solar source team! My pool is just amazing now! I can swim day or night! It’s the perfect temperature!
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$20,300 ($4.06 per watt)
Trixie G, over 1 month
Thank you David and the solar source team! My pool is just amazing now! I can swim day or night! It’s the perfect temperature!
4.32 8 Reviews
F Dupuis, over 1 month
Excellent Team to work with - from design to installation, I was informed & included in the process.
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F Dupuis, over 1 month
Excellent Team to work with - from design to installation, I was informed & included in the process.
4.25 6 Reviews
Sue Fitzgerald, over 1 month
Dave and his son are wonderful to work with. I would highly recommend them to others.<br />
Read more
Sue Fitzgerald, over 1 month
Dave and his son are wonderful to work with. I would highly recommend them to others.<br />
Where there is no specific pricing information available for a brand then we have used state pricing data for that brand.
Solar panel manufacturer | Avg. cost per watt |
---|---|
Canadian Solar | $2.45 |
LG Solar | $2.93 |
SunPower | $3.07 |
Panasonic | $2.96 |
LONGi Solar | $2.37 |
The most important difference between buying solar panels and any other purchase is that solar panels last 25-30 years. This is a long, long time and you will need customer service over all that time. The reviews below of the two largest corporate solar installation companies indicate larger corporate solar companies are not delivering this support to their customers.
We recommend you find a small or mid-size, local, family-owned solar company. These companies tend to care more about you and your specific job. You don't want to be on hold to a corporation's call center for the next 25 years!
The cost of solar doesn't just include the equipment and installation costs - it’s also made up of permitting costs, inspection costs, and installer profit margins.
These different components are what make the price of solar fluctuate between installations. Some of the factors that affect solar power system installation costs for specific homes include:
Homes that use more electricity will need more solar panels to cover their energy needs.
Although solar panels do get cheaper on a per-watt basis, the overall cost of the system will increase as more panels are added.
But, the higher a home’s energy usage, the more solar panels can save the homeowners on their energy bills.
The price of solar panels can vary depending on the type of solar panels you choose.
There are two main types of solar panels for residential solar installations: monocrystalline and polycrystalline. Monocrystalline solar panels tend to be more efficient and more expensive than other solar panels. Polycrystalline panels have a lower efficiency rating and come at a lower price point.
The type of inverter you buy will also influence the cost of your solar system.
You may see some solar quotes with prices that seem too good to be true.
If you get quoted for a ridiculously cheap price, the installer might be using low-quality equipment or an unsustainable pricing model. You want to use a solar installer that is charging enough so that they can stay in business - as you’ll be relying on them for the next 25 years!
It’s important to make sure that your installer is giving you the best quality at the best price possible. This is why getting multiple solar quotes is so important.
The overall cost of solar can be influenced by the solar incentives available.
Across the U.S., homeowners can apply for the federal solar tax credit. The solar tax credit makes installing solar more cost-effective by providing homeowners with a tax credit equal to 30% of the cost of their installed solar panel system.
Local solar tax incentives and rebates can end up saving homeowners thousands on a solar installation, especially when they’re used with the federal solar tax credit.
See what solar incentives are available in your area by using our solar panel calculator.
The cost of installing residential solar panels in Charlestown varies with the brand of solar panels and inverters you choose, the installation company you choose to install them, the relative ease or difficulty of installing solar panels on your home, and of course the amount of solar panels you need. The amount of solar panels you need is, in turn, related to your energy usage.
The table below shows the data extracted from a real life quote delivered through the SolarReviews marketplace recently for a fairly typical home in Charlestown.
As you can see the payback period is relatively short and equates to a much better return on investment than he historical returns that have been available from investing in things like shares or property.
System information | Value |
---|---|
System Size (for 100% usage offset) | 9.31 kW |
Annual power generation | 14,574 kWh |
Pay-back time (assuming Cash purchase) | 9.7 Years |
Internal rate of return (IRR) on investment | 5.8% |
Gross cost | $26,324 |
Total Upfront Incentives and Rebates | -$7,345 |
Net Cost of System after rebated and incentives | $18,983 |
Total Cost of Utility Power Avoided over 25 years | $63,115 |