Best 5 Solar Companies in Andover, MA

Andover homeowners are committed to protecting the environment and practicing eco-friendly lifestyles. That's why many homeowners are purchasing panels from the best solar professionals for their homes. With all the options to choose from in this urban jungle, you might feel burnt out searching for the right contractor. In this article, we'll highlight Andover's best solar installers and offer suggestions for your company choice, so you can find the ideal one for your residence.

Ranking Methodology

We reviewed dozens of Andover solar installers, using the following criteria to select the superior:

• Experience and professional licensure: Each company on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Andover community for a decade or longer.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should utilize their years of experience answer your questions on how to care for your system and improve its performance.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar installers should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer happiness.
• Panel brands and quality: The leading solar companies remain current on new technology, offering equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.
• Customer feedback and reviews: Most Andover solar installers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio indicates a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy has multiple advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Better energy independence: Adding a battery backup or storage system lets you have reliable energy during grid outages and storms.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is a highly abundant clean energy source, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on non-renewable sources.
• Lower utility costs: Producing some or all of your own energy will spend less on electricity long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that make it possible for you to sell your extra energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Andover Homeowners?

The state of Massachusetts offers a range of solar incentives to help lower your solar system costs. Check out a breakdown of applicable solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Andover

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar array. Make your choice based on the following important considerations.

Licensing and Training

Massachusetts requires new solar photovoltaic systems in the Commonwealth to be installed by a licensed electrician and new solar water heaters to be installed by a construction supervisor. Check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar industry's most credible trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Andover

Your solar panels' style will influence how much energy you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.

If you want to charge an electric car or use your solar power in dark weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By selecting the right components, you can make your panel array more effective and user-friendly. Not all solar companies provide these additional features, so look for a provider that sells them if it's important for you.

You can expect to pay about $20,300 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Andover. Check the table in this section to get an idea of the amount Andover solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Andover

There are numerous ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will lower your costs. A few of the most common options include cash payments, loans, leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they save you from paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Like a car or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a fluctuating rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in particular circumstances. Look for companies that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your pocket.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Andover.

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, utilities and local governments may have their own financing plans and rebates that could reduce your total cost even more.

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy