Best 5 Solar Companies in Malden, MA

Malden residents are purposeful about preserving its natural resources and practicing eco-friendly lifestyles. That's why many people are purchasing panels from the best solar professionals for their homes. While going solar comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $1,200 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional installer can help you select the best panels to maximize your savings. In this article, we'll show you Malden's best solar providers and offer advice for your company choice, so you can find the ideal one for your household.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has carefully researched dozens of solar contractors near Malden, focusing on the following criteria:

• Professional licensure and experience: Each provider on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Malden community for more than a decade.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar contractors should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each provider responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer happiness.
• Panel brands and quality: The premier solar companies remain current on new technology, offering equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Customer feedback and reviews: Most Malden solar contractors have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio indicates a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should utilize their years of experience answer your questions on how to maintain your system and optimize its performance.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power lowers your dependence on conventional, less environmentally-friendly sources.
• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home running through blackouts and emergencies, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery storage.
• Lowered energy bills: You can avoid the premium cost of grid-tied power by producing some electricity at home. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back for credits on your bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Malden Homeowners?

Massachusetts homeowners who choose solar could qualify for special financing, tax credits, reimbursements and rebates. Here are just a few of the local incentive programs.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Malden

The more informed your company investigation is, the better your solar system will ultimately work. Consider all of these aspects in your contractor search.

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. Solar installers can also earn certificates from standards organizations and trade groups. The most recognized ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Malden

The type of solar panels you purchase determines how much power 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 car or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By choosing the right components, you can make your panel array more efficient and user-friendly. Not all solar companies provide these extras, so look for a company that installs them if it's essential for you.

If you're a resident of Malden and are looking into a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could expect to pay about $20,300 for parts and installation. See more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Malden

Choosing the correct financing solution will impact your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include loans, power purchase agreements, leases, and cash payments. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most economical choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a home or auto loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for money-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases let you use your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only 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 suggest working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each agent about what's available, and obtain 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 Malden.

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, local governments and utilities may have their own rebates and financing plans that could reduce your total cost even more.

Sources

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