*Prices are shown after applying the 30% federal tax credit.
As of Oct 2024, the average cost of solar panels in Boston is $2.86 per watt making a typical 6000 watt (6 kW) solar system $11,999 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 | $3.13 | $8,751 |
5kW | $2.99 | $10,469 |
6kW | $2.86 | $11,999 |
7kW | $2.83 | $13,867 |
8kW | $2.88 | $16,149 |
9kW | $2.77 | $17,435 |
10kW | $2.74 | $19,184 |
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
4.92 149 Reviews
Agusto, 2 days ago
I had a great experience overall with the company. Everyone has been very nice and courteous and we have had the system now from the moment we signed a contract to turning it on has been just about a month five star experience across-the-board.
Read more
Agusto, 2 days ago
I had a great experience overall with the company. Everyone has been very nice and courteous and we have had the system now from the moment we signed a contract to turning it on has been just about a month five star experience across-the-board.
4.91 120 Reviews
FCCM, 4 days ago
45 kW DC designed, permitted, installed and producing in less than 9 months. Having solar on the church will lower the operating expenses of the church freeing up cash to be used for over 12 individual charities. Thank you Sunergy Solutions for the great pricing and for helping us navigate the 30% tax credit for non profits.
Read more
FCCM, 4 days ago
45 kW DC designed, permitted, installed and producing in less than 9 months. Having solar on the church will lower the operating expenses of the church freeing up cash to be used for over 12 individual charities. Thank you Sunergy Solutions for the great pricing and for helping us navigate the 30% tax credit for non profits.
4.87 511 Reviews
Julie, 3 days ago
Absolutely the BEST. At every step, they were knowledgeable, pro-active, clear, and so wonderful to work with. I would highly recommend working with All Energy to get solar panels. The set up and execution were all seamless. Justin was a great partner in helping me understand my options for loans and tax credits. Carlo was wonderful as a project liaison keeping me updated and answering questions along the way. And the installation team was competent and really thoughtful. They cleared out every last bit of trash from the project (something I've never seen a contractor do in my life)! Thanks so much, y'all. I feel so wonderful knowing I'm producing electricity for my neighbors (and making money from it, too)!
Read more
Julie, 3 days ago
Absolutely the BEST. At every step, they were knowledgeable, pro-active, clear, and so wonderful to work with. I would highly recommend working with All Energy to get solar panels. The set up and execution were all seamless. Justin was a great partner in helping me understand my options for loans and tax credits. Carlo was wonderful as a project liaison keeping me updated and answering questions along the way. And the installation team was competent and really thoughtful. They cleared out every last bit of trash from the project (something I've never seen a contractor do in my life)! Thanks so much, y'all. I feel so wonderful knowing I'm producing electricity for my neighbors (and making money from it, too)!
4.86 165 Reviews
James, over 1 month
From start to finish we had a great experience working with Mass Renewables. The salesperson, Diane, was incredibly helpful, informative, and very pleasant to work with. The system was competitively priced. The installation team was professional, efficient, and on time. They took the time to ask questions and get our input whenever it was required. The leadership was hands-on and involved. Mass Renewables provided us "big company" expertise with a hands-on, small company demeanor. We love the look of our panels, and the system is generating exactly what Mass Renewables predicted. Highly recommend.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$20,000 ($4.00 per watt)
James, over 1 month
From start to finish we had a great experience working with Mass Renewables. The salesperson, Diane, was incredibly helpful, informative, and very pleasant to work with. The system was competitively priced. The installation team was professional, efficient, and on time. They took the time to ask questions and get our input whenever it was required. The leadership was hands-on and involved. Mass Renewables provided us "big company" expertise with a hands-on, small company demeanor. We love the look of our panels, and the system is generating exactly what Mass Renewables predicted. Highly recommend.
4.83 75 Reviews
Robert J, 3 days ago
Recently completed a large solar panel installation on my home. I'm very happy with the product that Earthlight proposed, installed and continues to maintain. Firstly, during the design and installation phase they were efficient and timely with the install. Secondly, during the first few months of operation and ironing out any bugs, Earthlight monitored my panels, and noticing any items not working properly they called me, scheduled a visit, came in and made the repairs proactively. Given the upfront cost of solar panels, it is reassuring to know that Earthlight takes their product warranty and reputation seriously.
Read more
Robert J, 3 days ago
Recently completed a large solar panel installation on my home. I'm very happy with the product that Earthlight proposed, installed and continues to maintain. Firstly, during the design and installation phase they were efficient and timely with the install. Secondly, during the first few months of operation and ironing out any bugs, Earthlight monitored my panels, and noticing any items not working properly they called me, scheduled a visit, came in and made the repairs proactively. Given the upfront cost of solar panels, it is reassuring to know that Earthlight takes their product warranty and reputation seriously.
4.83 74 Reviews
Larry M., 3 weeks ago
We had three companies bid on our ground mounted solar array project. NEC had the best quality panels and inverters as well as the most detailed 3D imaging of our site to ensure our future production. The project was completed on time and as quoted. It was a truly turnkey experience with almost no need for our involvement except for deciding the final height above the ground. NEC took care of all of the permitting with our town and contacted Eversource for the right to apply for net metering. We were constantly informed of the progress of each permit. The mounting frame took one and half days to erect despite encountering ledge on all seven mounting points. This required the use of a rock drill. Great care was taken to prevent damage to my lawn while transporting the drill to the site. The remainder of the array, trenching and wiring was completed in four days. After the trench and wiring was inspected the soil was replaced with great care. The array is now operational, and we are pleased to see we now exporting energy to the grid as well as covering the needs of our home. We are very happy we chose NEC as our installer. The project manager, Nick and his crew were a pleasure to work with and they were very respectful of our property. Thank you, NEC!
Read more
Larry M., 3 weeks ago
We had three companies bid on our ground mounted solar array project. NEC had the best quality panels and inverters as well as the most detailed 3D imaging of our site to ensure our future production. The project was completed on time and as quoted. It was a truly turnkey experience with almost no need for our involvement except for deciding the final height above the ground. NEC took care of all of the permitting with our town and contacted Eversource for the right to apply for net metering. We were constantly informed of the progress of each permit. The mounting frame took one and half days to erect despite encountering ledge on all seven mounting points. This required the use of a rock drill. Great care was taken to prevent damage to my lawn while transporting the drill to the site. The remainder of the array, trenching and wiring was completed in four days. After the trench and wiring was inspected the soil was replaced with great care. The array is now operational, and we are pleased to see we now exporting energy to the grid as well as covering the needs of our home. We are very happy we chose NEC as our installer. The project manager, Nick and his crew were a pleasure to work with and they were very respectful of our property. Thank you, NEC!
4.80 319 Reviews
Andrew, 2 days ago
The process of getting the 26 panel system installed was super easy. New England answered all of my question and explained the whole process very well. All the guys that did the installation were friendly and courteous. The electrical work was very neatly done and looks professional. I would recommend this company over any of the other solar companies out there. Now I just have to have the electric company come and switch my meter. At that point I can watch the dial go backwards on a nice sunny day.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$21,450 ($4.29 per watt)
Andrew, 2 days ago
The process of getting the 26 panel system installed was super easy. New England answered all of my question and explained the whole process very well. All the guys that did the installation were friendly and courteous. The electrical work was very neatly done and looks professional. I would recommend this company over any of the other solar companies out there. Now I just have to have the electric company come and switch my meter. At that point I can watch the dial go backwards on a nice sunny day.
4.79 218 Reviews
Judy, 2 weeks ago
Overall, we are happy with the service as so far there isn’t any issues yet since we just started last year. I do want to give a big shoutout to Rachel, who always goes above and beyond! Even my inquiries aren’t in the area she handles, she always tries to find an answer and gives us the update.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$20,050 ($4.01 per watt)
Judy, 2 weeks ago
Overall, we are happy with the service as so far there isn’t any issues yet since we just started last year. I do want to give a big shoutout to Rachel, who always goes above and beyond! Even my inquiries aren’t in the area she handles, she always tries to find an answer and gives us the update.
4.79 81 Reviews
Sam, 1 week ago
I have been very satisfied with my experience at SAVKAT Solar. They were easy to work with, knowledgeable, and flexible. We had chosen Sunpower for our solar installation. This was in April 2024 immediately prior to their bankruptcy and restructuring. SAVKAT was assigned as our installer. We reached the point of final inspection on 16JUL24, the same day Sunpower issued a stop work on all solar installations. SAVKAT eventually finished the work without waiting for Sunpower approval to move forward allowing us to begin producing power. I credit this effort entirely to SAVKAT and the Mystic Solar company. Thanks!
Read more
Sam, 1 week ago
I have been very satisfied with my experience at SAVKAT Solar. They were easy to work with, knowledgeable, and flexible. We had chosen Sunpower for our solar installation. This was in April 2024 immediately prior to their bankruptcy and restructuring. SAVKAT was assigned as our installer. We reached the point of final inspection on 16JUL24, the same day Sunpower issued a stop work on all solar installations. SAVKAT eventually finished the work without waiting for Sunpower approval to move forward allowing us to begin producing power. I credit this effort entirely to SAVKAT and the Mystic Solar company. Thanks!
4.71 611 Reviews
Lennox Simon Solar, 15 hours ago
On Tuesday, October 8, 2024, my Solar panel system was installed on my home by Venture Home Solar, LLC. Every step of this installment process, Vesture’s Customer Experience and Operation Units, kept me in the loop. They were informative, they explained to me what to expect, they were great with follow- up and always asked if I had any questions. On the date of installation, the crew was punctual, courteous, knowledgeable and very professional. Specifically, the team arrived on time and proceeded to put on their protective gear. They then proceeded to a meeting and discussed their assignments. Shortly thereafter, in a very professionally organized manner, they went to work on the installation. This crew had a very good chemistry and worked well together. Once they completed their tasks, they cleaned up and the crew electrician explained to me how things will work. I was very satisfied with the overall teamwork and the professionalism. On October 21, 2024, the county’s electrical and structural inspection were completed. I am now waiting for the utility company (PEPCO) to change the electrical meter. Therefore, based on the above- referenced installation experience, I would highly recommend Venture Home Solar, LLC. They checked all the boxes and were very professional in doing a great job. I am looking forward to start saving some money on my electric bill!
Read more
Lennox Simon Solar, 15 hours ago
On Tuesday, October 8, 2024, my Solar panel system was installed on my home by Venture Home Solar, LLC. Every step of this installment process, Vesture’s Customer Experience and Operation Units, kept me in the loop. They were informative, they explained to me what to expect, they were great with follow- up and always asked if I had any questions. On the date of installation, the crew was punctual, courteous, knowledgeable and very professional. Specifically, the team arrived on time and proceeded to put on their protective gear. They then proceeded to a meeting and discussed their assignments. Shortly thereafter, in a very professionally organized manner, they went to work on the installation. This crew had a very good chemistry and worked well together. Once they completed their tasks, they cleaned up and the crew electrician explained to me how things will work. I was very satisfied with the overall teamwork and the professionalism. On October 21, 2024, the county’s electrical and structural inspection were completed. I am now waiting for the utility company (PEPCO) to change the electrical meter. Therefore, based on the above- referenced installation experience, I would highly recommend Venture Home Solar, LLC. They checked all the boxes and were very professional in doing a great job. I am looking forward to start saving some money on my electric bill!
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 | $2.66 |
LONGi Solar | $2.57 |
LG Solar | $3.18 |
Panasonic | $3.22 |
SunPower | $3.34 |
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 Boston 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 Boston.
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) | 5.97 kW |
Annual power generation | 7,454 kWh |
Pay-back time (assuming Cash purchase) | 5.3 Years |
Internal rate of return (IRR) on investment | 16.7% |
Gross cost | $16,764 |
Total Upfront Incentives and Rebates | -$8,551 |
Net Cost of System after rebated and incentives | $8,215 |
Total Cost of Utility Power Avoided over 25 years | $53,541 |