Best 5 Solar Companies in Billerica, MA

Billerica homeowners are increasingly using solar panels to generate energy and heat their water. While switching to solar energy comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $1,200 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional company can help you select the best panels to maximize your savings. Discover Billerica's top-rated solar companies and learn crucial decision-making advice on this page.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has carefully researched dozens of solar installers near Billerica, with emphasis on the following criteria:

• Service offerings and warranties: Solar contractors should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer happiness.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should use their years of experience answer your questions on how to look after your system and optimize its performance.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The premier solar companies remain current on new technology, offering equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Certifications and credentials: Each company on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Billerica community for over 15 years.
• Reviews and feedback from customers: Most Billerica solar contractors have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with battery backups and storage systems operate through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on the grid for your safety and comfort.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Embracing solar is a surefire way to minimize your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
• Lowered energy bills: You can skip the expensive cost of grid-tied power by generating some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to help pay for your energy bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Billerica Homeowners?

Massachusetts homeowners who upgrade to solar could qualify for reimbursements, tax credits, special financing and rebates. Here are just a few of the region's incentive programs.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Billerica

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and valuable solar array. Consider all of these criteria in your company search.

Licensing and Training

Massachusetts requires new solar PV 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), one of the solar sector's most reputed trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Billerica

Your photovoltaic panels' model will affect how much power you can generate. 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.

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 performance. Not all solar companies provide these extras, so look for a provider that installs them if it's crucial for you.

Most Billerica homeowners select solar systems sized for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $20,300 to set up, considering both parts and installation. You can find more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Billerica

Choosing the ideal financing plan will influence your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include cash payments, power purchase agreements, loans, and leases. 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 potentially $0 down. Solar leases let you use your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, much like 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 providers that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your budget.

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

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar power systems until the year 2032. Municipal and state governments and utility companies might also offer rebates, discounts, and dedicated financing plans that could save you more.

Sources

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