Best 5 Solar Companies in Barnstable Town, MA

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Barnstable Town

The price and effectiveness of solar panels often hinge on which company installed them. Here are some essential aspects to consider while searching for a solar installer.

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. Solar companies can also pursue accreditations from standards organizations and trade groups. The most respected ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Barnstable Town

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.

You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can increase your solar system's efficiency. Not all solar providers include these optional components, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's a priority for you.

A majority of Barnstable Town homeowners choose solar systems designed for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $20,300 to set up, considering both parts and installation. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Barnstable Town

Choosing the optimal financing solution will affect your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include leases, loans, power purchase agreements, and cash payments. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they help you avoid 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. Much like a home or auto loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in specific circumstances. We recommend working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each agent about what's available, and get more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your budget.

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

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on the full cost of the solar system, so long as you purchase it before 2032. City and state governments and utilities might also offer their own financing programs, rebates, and incentives that could save you more money.