Best 5 Solar Companies in Arlington, MA

With Arlington's clear skies and below-average rainfall, it's a great area for homeowners and businesses looking to harness the added sunlight by buying panels from one of the best solar installers. While embracing solar power comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $1,300 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional installer can help you select the best panels to maximize your savings. In this guide, we'll show you Arlington's best solar providers and offer advice for your company choice, so you can find the ideal one for your household.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has carefully researched dozens of solar contractors near Arlington, keeping in mind the following criteria:

• Certifications and licenses: Each company on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Arlington community for a decade or longer.
• Panel brands and quality: The premier solar companies keep up with new technology, offering equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should tap into their years of experience address your questions on how to maintain your system and optimize its performance.
• Reviews and feedback from customers: Most Arlington solar installers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar contractors should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Lowered energy bills: You can dodge the premium cost of grid-tied power by creating some electricity at home. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to credit part of your bill.
• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home functioning through emergencies and blackouts, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery backup.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power lowers your dependence on fossil fuels, which release greenhouse gases that damage the environment.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Arlington Homeowners?

Governments and utilities often incentivize homeowners for switching to solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, or other programs you could qualify for.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Arlington

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and cost-efficient solar array. Make your choice based on the following essential elements.

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 for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar sector's most respected trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Arlington

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels provide a lower price point but produce less power. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.

If you'd like to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in cloudy 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 providers offer these optional components, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's essential for you.

Generally speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Arlington. This table lists more specific pricing information for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Arlington

There are many ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will reduce your expenses. A few of the most common options include leases, cash payments, loans, 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 home or car loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and do not provide you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Look for installers that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your financial needs.

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

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new residential solar equipment purchased through 2032. Extra incentives may be available through local governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.

Sources

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