Best 5 Solar Companies in Chelsea, MA

Chelsea homeowners are committed to conserving resources and embracing sustainability. That's why many people are purchasing panels from the best solar professionals for their homes. While switching to solar energy comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $1,200 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional technician can help you choose the best panels to maximize your savings. On this page, we'll show you Chelsea's leading solar contractors and provide insightful advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

We reviewed dozens of Chelsea solar companies, using the following criteria to choose the top-notch:

• Professional licensure and experience: Each installer on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Chelsea community for a decade or longer.
• Panel brands and quality: The top solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, providing equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should utilize their years of experience address your questions on how to care for your system and maximize its performance.
• Reviews and feedback from customers: Most Chelsea solar contractors have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar contractors should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each installer responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer happiness.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Smaller power bills: Generating some or all of your own energy will spend less on electricity long-term. Plus, some states provide net metering programs that enable you to sell your surplus 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.
• Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with battery storage systems operate through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on your power company for your safety and comfort.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Chelsea Homeowners?

Governments and utilities often reward homeowners for adopting solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, or other programs you could qualify for.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Chelsea

The more informed your company investigation is, the better your solar panels will ultimately work. Consider each of these elements in your company search.

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. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private certifications. Two of the most prestigious are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, backed by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.

Cost of Solar Panels in Chelsea

The kind of solar panels you purchase dictates how much energy you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. Thin-film panels aren't meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.

If you'd like to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in dark weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more effective and convenient to use. Not all solar contractors provide these extras, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's a priority for you.

A majority of Chelsea 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 Chelsea

Choosing the optimal financing plan will affect your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include loans, power purchase agreements, cash payments, and leases. We recommend paying with cash 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 minimize 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 enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, much like an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Look for installers that offer multiple 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 Chelsea.

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on your new solar panels, so long as you purchase it before 2032. City and state governments 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