Solar Panels in Boston, MA

Q: How many solar panels do I need in Boston?

With 3.8 peak sun hours/day, a home using 4444 kWh/month needs about 122 panels (48.8 kW) with 400W panels.

Q: How much do solar panels cost in Boston?

Average cost in Boston is $3.20/watt. A 48.8 kW system costs ~$156,160 before 30% ITC, or ~$109,312 after.

Q: What is the solar payback period in Boston?

At $0.27/kWh, solar pays back in about 7.5 years. 25-year net savings: ~$256,188.

Q: What solar incentives are available in Boston?

Federal ITC + SMART + state tax credit ($1,000). Always verify with your installer and the DSIRE database.

Boston gets 3.8 peak sun hours/day with electricity at $0.27/kWh. Calculate panels needed, cost after 30% ITC, and payback period.

Sun Hours

3.8/day

Rate

$0.27/kWh

Cost/Watt

$3.2

Net Metering

Yes + SMART

☀️ Boston Solar Calculator

Monthly Usage4,444 kWh

Panels

122

System Size

48.8 kW

Annual kWh

54,148

Net Cost

$109,312

Savings/yr

$14,620

Payback

7.5 yrs

25-Yr Savings

$256,188

System Sizes in Boston

Monthly kWh	Panels	kW	Net Cost	Savings/yr	Payback
500	14	5.6	$12,544	$1,678	7.5 yrs
750	21	8.4	$18,816	$2,517	7.5 yrs
1,000	28	11.2	$25,088	$3,355	7.5 yrs
1,500	42	16.8	$37,632	$5,033	7.5 yrs
2,000	55	22.0	$49,280	$6,591	7.5 yrs
2,500	69	27.6	$61,824	$8,269	7.5 yrs

Solar Guide for Boston (2026)

Boston at latitude 42.36°N receives 3.8 peak sun hours/day. At $0.27/kWh, solar offers exceptional long-term savings.

Incentives: Federal ITC + SMART + state tax credit ($1,000).

NEC Solar Requirements

All installations must comply with NEC Article 690: rapid shutdown (690.12), conductor sizing at 125% (690.8), and proper grounding per NEC 250. Use our Solar Wire Size Calculator for conductor sizing.

Disclaimer: Estimates only. Consult a licensed solar installer. NEC Article 690 compliance required.