Over a hundred residential solar companies are currently operating in Massachusetts. Identifying the best from this long list can be overwhelming if you decide to go solar. You might turn to websites to help you determine the top Massachusetts solar companies, only to realize that some of those recommended are the worst.
Going solar is one of the best decisions you can make, and we don’t want you to regret it because you picked the wrong solar company. That is why we decided to research and create an honest list of the best solar providers in Massachusetts that you can hire today.
How We Determined the Top Solar Installers in the State
To ensure we came up with an unbiased list that you can trust, we first came up with a list of all solar installers in Massachusetts. We then looked at a wide range of factors that included certifications, services, the companies an installer has partnered with, warranties, and guarantees. Read more about how we calculated the best solar providers.
Top 10 Residential Solar Installers in MA
All Energy Solar
Chicopee
- Handles incentive and rebate filings for you
- It has direct financing options to make solar affordable
- Provides ones of the best solar monitoring system to its customers
- It has a referral program that allows you to earn up to $525 per referral
Mass Renewables
Bellingham
- Offers sun-tracking arrays to maximize production of solar power
- It is a certified reseller and installer of Tesla Powerwall
- Offers roof reinforcement services so that your house can support more panels
- Experienced in both roof and ground-mounted array
- Offers free consultations
Rooftop Power
Warwick
- Handles all the required permits
- Quick installation time of between 1-2 days
- Offers free energy consultations
- Provides a 25-year performance and product warranty and 10-year workmanship warranty
- It has partnered with leading lenders to provide flexible financing options
Boston Solar
Woburn
- One of the most experienced solar installer in Massachusetts
- Gives a 25-year system warranty and 10-year workmanship guarantee
- The company installs your system using top solar components
RevoluSun
Burlington
- It has partnered with top manufacturers to provide premium solar products
- It has a comprehensive 25-year warranty that is inclusive of parts, labor, and shipping
- A certified Tesla Powerwall installer
- Helps clients choose the best solar financing option
ReVision Energy
North Andover
- It has experience of 17 years in the solar business
- It partners with the best financial institutions to provide solar loans
- It has a team of expert technicians, most of whom are trained in-house
Energymonster
Worcester
- It only uses solar components from top brands
- Offers a no-obligation custom system design
- Gives a 10-year workmanship warranty
- Provides free maintenance and monitoring
- It has experts to help you through a solar loan application process
Venture Solar
Hudson
- It has an easy process with no upfront costs
- It supports solar lease, purchase, and solar loan payment options
- It gives a 25-year system warranty
- Uses LG panels that generate 70% more energy than conventional panels
Solar Rising
Mashpee
- It uses trusted brands such as LG, Enphase, and Tesla
- Each installation comes with a remote monitoring system
- Supports a variety of financing options
- A certified Tesla Powerwall installer
Beacon Solar
East Taunton
- It provides free consultations and instant quotes
- Acquires and installing solar panels with the best components in the market
- A certified Tesla Powerwall installer
- Offers a 25-year warranty
- Focuses on ensuring 100% customer satisfaction
Massachusetts Solar Energy Incentives: Rebates, Tax credits
Homeowners in Massachusetts who choose solar benefits from local, state, and federal solar incentives that helps reduce the total cost of a system.
The state has the Residential Renewable Energy Income Tax Credit. This incentive allows homeowners with installed panels to get a 15% personal tax credit, which goes up to $1000. The SMART program is another exciting incentive by the state. This program ensures that residential solar system owners get paid a fixed rate for the solar power they send to the grid. Other state incentives include property tax exemption and renewable energy sales tax exemption.
In addition to the state incentive, there is also the federal solar tax credit, which is currently at 30% of the total cost of the system.
Price of Solar Panels in Massachusetts
The average cost of a panel is between $2.65 and $3.65 per watt. The varying prices are due to factors such as your location in the state. Using the figures, the average solar installation cost for a 5kW system falls between $13,250 and $16,300 before accounting for federal and state incentives.
However, after claiming the 30% federal tax credit, such a system might cost you between $9,800 and $12,000. The cost is further reduced by Massachusetts incentives such as the 15% personal tax credit for those with solar panels on their roof.
How Long is the Payback Period for a Solar Panel System in Massachusetts?
The payback period is influenced by factors such as the size of the system, energy consumption, and available incentives. Therefore, the payback time tends to vary between homes. However, the average time is usually less than 10 years for most systems across Massachusetts, and others even take less than six years.
Therefore, provided you have an efficient system that is offsetting the bill as was intended, you can expect to recover and start making a profit after a few years. It should be noted that the estimated payback time mentioned is for people that choose to purchase the system instead of leasing or financing through a loan.
Massachusetts state solar energy by the numbers
- Solar Installed (MW): 4,037
- National Ranking: 10th (11th in 2021)
- Enough Solar Installed to Power: 693,913 homes
- Percentage of State’s Electricity from Solar: 19.4%
- Solar Jobs in MA: 10,548
- Solar Installers in MA: 137
- Number Of Installations: 139
Data current through Q3 2022
Source: Seia.org