Best 5 Solar Companies in Marlborough, MA

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Marlborough

The price and effectiveness of solar panels often rely on the provider that mounted them. Make your choice based on the following important considerations.

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. Solar installers can also obtain accreditations from trade groups and standards organizations. The most respected 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 Marlborough

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.

Additional system add-ons, such as battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will raise your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar provider provides these additional features, so look for a provider that installs them if it's essential for you.

You can expect to pay about $20,300 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Marlborough. Use the table in this section to get an idea of the amount Marlborough solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Marlborough

There are many ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will reduce your expenses. A few of the most common options include leases, cash payments, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and loans. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments require 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. Much like a home or car loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in specific circumstances. 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 Marlborough.

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on the full cost of the solar system, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Municipal authorities and utilities might also offer their own incentives, rebates, and financing programs that could save you more money.