Best 5 Solar Companies in Brookline, MA

With Brookline's clear skies and below-average rainfall, it's an excellent area for homeowners and businesses looking to harness the added sunlight by buying panels from one of the best solar installers. While going solar 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. On this page, we'll highlight Brookline's best solar providers and offer insightful advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

Our team focuses on the following criteria to assess the best Brookline solar companies.

• Professional licensure and experience: 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 Brookline community for more than a decade.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar companies should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer satisfaction.
• Reviews and feedback from customers: Most Brookline solar contractors have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio demonstrates a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should use their years of experience address your questions on how to care for your system and improve its performance.
• Panel brands and quality: The premier solar companies remain current on new technology, offering equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy provides multiple advantages. Here are some highlights.

• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home running through blackouts and emergencies. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery storage.
• Smaller power bills: Generating some or all of your own power will cut power costs long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that allow you to sell your extra energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Brookline Homeowners?

Massachusetts agencies and electric companies offer a range of solar incentives to help reduce your solar system costs. Here's a breakdown of relevant solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Brookline

The more comprehensive your company research is, the better your solar system will ultimately perform. Make your choice based on the following important considerations.

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

Cost of Solar Panels in Brookline

The style of solar panels you purchase determines how much energy you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't the best for large residential installations, but they are excellent accessories for non-traditional roofs.

You can also add electric car (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can improve your solar system's performance. Not every solar contractor provides these additional features, so look for a provider that installs them if it's essential for you.

A majority of Brookline homeowners choose solar systems sized for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $20,300 to install, considering both materials and labor. You can find more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Brookline

Choosing the ideal financing solution will influence your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include leases, loans, power purchase agreements, and cash payments. We recommend making a cash payment or securing a solar loan for the best 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 own 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 installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to rent your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only 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 several payment plans to find the right fit for your wallet.

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

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on total system costs, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Municipal authorities and utilities might also offer their own incentives, financing programs, and rebates 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