Best 5 Solar Companies in Leominster, MA

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Leominster

The more thorough your provider search is, the better your solar system will ultimately operate. Make your choice based on the following crucial aspects.

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 recognized are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, granted 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 Leominster

Your solar panels' model will influence how much power you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.

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 efficiency. Not all solar providers offer these additional features, so look for a company that sells them if it's important for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in Leominster

Solar contractors offer multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar loans and cash payments. 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. Similar to an auto or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. 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 advise against these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in particular circumstances. We advise working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Ask each salesperson about what's available, and secure more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your financial plan.

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

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