Best 5 Solar Companies in Braintree Town, MA

With Braintree Town's clear skies and little rainfall, it's a perfect area for families and businesses seeking to harness the added sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar companies. 3,334 homes in the area already employ a solar photovoltaic or water heating system. Certified installers will therefore have the exact experience you need to embrace the solar revolution with confidence. Discover Braintree Town's top-rated solar companies and learn vital decision-making tips on this page.

Ranking Methodology

Our team used the following criteria to determine the best Braintree Town solar companies.

• Warranty and service offerings: Solar providers 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 satisfaction.
• Customer reviews and feedback: Most Braintree Town solar installers have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio demonstrates a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should use their years of experience answer your questions on how to care for your system and maximize its performance.
• Professional licenses and credentials: Each contractor on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Braintree Town community for a decade or longer.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The leading solar companies remain current on new technology, offering equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy provides multiple benefits. Let's look at a few of them.

• Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is one of the universe's most abundant clean energy sources, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on fossil fuels.
• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with battery storage systems function through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on your power company for your safety and well-being.
• Lowered energy bills: You can skip the added cost of grid-tied power by creating some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to credit part of your bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Braintree Town Homeowners?

Governments and power companies often reward 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 Braintree Town

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and cost-efficient solar energy system. Here are some key items to keep in mind while searching for a solar company.

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. Look for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of 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 Braintree Town

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options 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 electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can increase your solar system's performance. Not every solar company offers these additional features, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's crucial for you.

A majority of Braintree Town homeowners opt for 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 see more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Braintree Town

There are numerous ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will help you decrease overhead. A few of the most common options include loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments, and leases. We recommend making a cash payment or using a solar loan for the highest return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to cut your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in monthly installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement 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 particular circumstances. Ask each provider you're considering about the payment options it offers. A consultant can help you determine the best option for your pocketbook.

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

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

Sources

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