Best 5 Solar Companies in Boston, MA

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Boston

The purchase price and efficacy of solar panels often rely on the solar company that installed them. Here are some key items to keep in mind while shopping for a solar specialist.

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), one of 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 Boston

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.

Additional accessories, such as battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will increase your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar company includes these extras, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's a priority for you.

If you're a resident of Boston and are looking into a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could expect to pay about $20,300 for materials and labor. See more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Boston

Solar providers use multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are cash payments, solar loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs) and solar 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 an auto or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) allows you to pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. We usually don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the system and cannot use solar incentives. We suggest working with an installer that offers multiple financing options. Ask each agent about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your budget.

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

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