Best 5 Solar Companies in Fitchburg, MA

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Fitchburg

The more thorough your provider search is, the better your solar panels will ultimately operate. Make your choice based on the following essential elements.

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. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private accreditations. Two of the most recognized 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 Fitchburg

Your photovoltaic panels' model will influence how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can boost your solar system's performance. Not all solar companies include these additional features, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's essential for you.

Most Fitchburg homeowners choose solar systems sized for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run 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 Fitchburg

Choosing the best financing plan will impact your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include power purchase agreements, leases, cash payments, and loans. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments require a large up-front sum, but they help you avoid 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. Much like an auto or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $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, akin to 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. We advise working with a company that offers multiple financing options. Ask each salesperson about what's available, and get more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your budget.

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

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